Understanding Acid Reflux

Sooner or later, most adults experience the symptoms of heartburn. This is a condition that is often considered a precursor to acid reflux, which is chronic in nature. Because of the connection between heartburn and acid reflux, it’s well worth noting the early signs of heartburn, so the condition can be addressed before it becomes more serious.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of heartburn you should be on the watch for:

1. Burping - it’s not uncommon to burp three or four times after a meal. Generally, this is the body’s way of releasing gas and it’s often the result of swallowing air and nothing more serious. However, when the esophageal sphincter (LES) isn’t functioning properly and stomach acid creeps into the esophagus, one of the first ways your body reacts is to burp. This releases the build up of gas and often results in almost instant relief. In severe cases, you may find yourself burping for several hours. If you find yourself experiencing long bouts of burping after every full meal, then it’s time to take notice.

2. Swallowing - you may experience trouble swallowing, which is sometimes described as the feeling of food getting stuck in your throat. This appears to be the result of stomach acids playing havoc with the lining of your esophagus, causing discomfort.

3. Sore Throat - as with many of these symptoms, it’s easy to mistake a sore throat for a cold or a flu when in actuality it’s the result of stomach acids that have escaped the sphincter muscle above your stomach and moved up your esophagus into the back of your throat. Much in the same way as what happens when you experience trouble swallowing, these acids damage the lining of your esophagus and throat, causing the soreness and hoarseness.

4. Nausea - this can be a particularly troubling symptom and you should definitely visit with your doctor if it occurs regularly, whether you believe it’s associated with heartburn or not. It’s always worthy of close attention. Often a symptom associated with women who are experiencing heartburn, it’s uncertain if the nausea is the result of the heartburn or the result of the pregnancy. It can also be a sign of gastritis, which is the inflammation of the lining of your stomach, or gastroparesis, a condition in which the muscles in your stomach don’t function normally and food remains in the stomach too long. Once again, if you’re experiencing a combination of nausea and heartburn, see your doctor.

5. A Burning Sensation - this is the granddaddy of heartburn symptoms, the one most people experience above all the others. You’ll hear it described as a painful, burning sensation just below the breastbone. It results from gastric acids rising into the esophagus. In most instances, it’s uncomfortable and unpleasant, though on some occasions it can be so painful that it’s mistaken for a heart attack.

There’s a new surgical procedure finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help put an end to your acid reflux. Known as the Plicator procedure, this surgical treatment requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure.

Here’s an explanation of the surgery …

• The Plicator, which is a small electronic device, is placed on the end of an endoscopy tube which is lowered into the digestive tract via the mouth while the patient is in a state of conscious sedation.
• The Plicator travels through the digestive tract until it reaches the stomach. Once it’s firmly in place in the stomach, the device is maneuvered so that it can grab the tissue located in between the stomach and the esophagus. The Plicator then closes its arms, causing it to crimp the tissue. A single suture is placed to secure the fold.
• As a result, the area between the stomach and the esophagus now has a much tighter opening. This can dramatically aid the lower esophageal sphincter to open and close the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus.

That’s all there is to it. People who undergo the procedure generally experience no ill effects, and can often return to regular levels of activity the following day.

Studies have shown that the need for prescription heartburn medications was eliminated in 70 percent of all patients who underwent the procedure! Also, 80 percent of all patients undergoing the surgery saw a reduction of reflux post-procedure. After undergoing the surgery, patients are often advised to follow a diet of soft foods for a few days while the suture sets.

The effects of the surgery can be seen almost immediately; within a few days of the surgery, most people are able to wane themselves off of their heartburn medications. People who have the surgery performed commonly experience sore throats or abdominal pain after the procedure, but these problems usually clear up within a few days.

One of the main reasons that people experience the caustic fluid endorsement that is characteristic of acid reflux is improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscles. These muscles are found at the base of the gullet and grant a method of opening and closing the passageway to the stomach. When the LES muscles are weakened, they are often unable to fully close. This can result in acid from the stomach finding its way up into the gullet.

Abnormalities of the gullet are another reason why people are afflicted with acid reflux disease. Several different parts of the gullet may be malformed, but two of the most common abnormalities that lead to acid reflux are peristalsis and a condition known as adult-ringed gullet. In an adult-ringed gullet, here are small rings in the throat which can cause an inability to swallow properly. Improper functioning of the stomach is another factor that can be responsible for acid reflux. Over fifty percent of all acid reflux sufferers have impaired stomach muscles that have problem responding quickly to stimuli. This can cause an extended period of time before the stomach is emptied of its contents, often chief to an acid endorsement in the gullet.

Hiatal hernias are another reason that one may experience acid reflux. The hiatus is a hole that is located in the diaphragm, helping to reliable the passageway between the gullet and the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight, maintenance the organs separate. Though, if the hiatus is weakened, it can loosen up and lead to a small part of the stomach really protruding owing to the hole. When this happens, a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. Even as hiatal hernias are not fully responsible for acid reflux, they can lead to a lack of functioning in the LES muscles, which, as discussed previously, leads to acid reflux.

According to E-AcidReflux.com, here is an undeniable connection between the occurrence of acid reflux and diet. Everything in your body has a delicate balance. The human body is a miracle of systems that maintains just the right conditions to keep everything running smoothly. Therefore it’s the healthiest when here is an acidic balance or equilibrium. The stomach regulates acidic digestion with enzymes that convert acids into manageable alkaline or basal substances.

Fortunately, acid reflux and diet can be effectively improved by launching a few lifestyle changes. One of the most vital things you can do to cool heartburn down is to avoid certain foods. In many cases, just varying the diet is all that is necessary to control acid reflux. Most health care professionals recommend a low-acid diet consisting of more alkaline or basal foods.

So what foods are safe to eat? The key qualities in heartburn-friendly foods, for most people, are low stout and non-spicy. So, with that in mind you can probably guess that leafy greens and broccoli, lean cuts of grilled meat, egg whites, low-stout cheeses like feta, apples and bananas, multi-grain breads, and low-stout salad dressings are excellent choices. Junk food? Occasionally, but with caution, choose stout free cookies, baked potato chips, or red licorice.

E-AcidReflux.com also reminds us that overeating is another acid reflux aggravator. Exercise caloric conscientiousness and choose to skip that second helping or fatty side dish, eat slow and drink plenty of water. Living lacking heartburn is within anyone’s grasp, and shouldn’t require drastic medical treatment. Simple, reasonable modifications in your intake habits can do wonders for quelling acid reflux, not to mention improving overall health.

You may have heard something about apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for acid reflux. There appears to be numerous success stories posted on forums throughout the Internet. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any studies so there’s no way to know if vinegar is effective at ending acid reflux or not.

In fact, logic seems to dictate that it shouldn’t work. Vinegar is an acid. So taking apple cider vinegar should simply add more acid to the stomach, thereby making the situation worse.

But let’s take a look at some possible reasons why it might work, with one caveat … if you decide to go down this path, be very cautious. In fact, it would be wise to discuss it with your physician first.

Okay, with that said, there is a controversial theory that acid reflux is the result of too little stomach acid. While no studies have been done, the theory goes something like this: undigested food actually ferments in the stomach, thereby causing your acid reflux. If this were the case, then drinking apple cider vinegar should aid digestion and reduce your symptoms.

Another theory is a rather common one when it’s difficult to explain medical results: the success of the vinegar is nothing more than the result of a convincing placebo. You feel better because you expect to feel better. It has nothing to do with the vinegar at all. Of course this could be said of any and all natural acid reflux treatments.

For most acid reflux sufferers, it isn’t important whether or not apple cider vinegar has been proven to work or not, as long the pain and discomfort of their acid reflux is reduced by taking it. Consumed in a reasonable quantity, vinegar shouldn’t be harmful, so you probably don’t need to worry about that.

However, it may actually make your acid reflux symptoms worse. So please use caution, and as previously mentioned, consult your doctor first.