Understanding Acid Reflux

When most of us think about heartburn we rarely consider acid reflux infants, but this condition (heartburn, acid reflux, gerd) is quite common in babies. In fact, more than half of all infants experience acid reflux within the first three months of their lives. The good news is that only a small number of infants experience the more serious symptoms.

Here’s what to look for if you suspect your infant might have acid reflux:

• Is your infant experiencing sleeping problems?
• Is your infant coughing even though there’s no evidence of a cold?
• Has your infant experienced weight loss?
• Has your infant exhibited a lack of appetite?
• Does he or she spit up frequently?
• Does he or she exhibit unusual irritability?
• Is there chest pain?
• Is there a sore throat?
• Does your baby have bad breath that’s reminiscent of vomit?
• Is your baby crying for no apparent reason?

People who have mild or moderate acid reflux symptoms may be able to manage their symptoms with natural remedies for heartburn. The live cultures found in yogurt seem to help many people control their symptoms. The cultures can also help cool the acid reflux burn. In addition, many health professionals recommend eating yogurt daily to help maintain a normal ph level.

Apple cider vinegar is another product that seems to provide relief of the burn. If this sounds gross to you, try mixing it with a little water. As little as two tablespoons after a meal can be highly effective in reducing acid reflux symptoms. This is an inexpensive way to treat the symptoms without having to go to the doctor. In addition, a small amount of cayenne pepper with the apple cider vinegar works quite well. Taking this mixture just before bedtime may insure you a good night’s sleep, free of pain.

Another of the well known natural remedies for heartburn is mixing baking soda with water. A couple of teaspoons mixed in a few ounces of water will usually provide immediate relief. This also has a dual purpose. Baking soda helps to relieve symptoms of gas which can be trapped in the stomach. Having less gas will usually mean having less heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. You can try sipping a carbonated beverage to achieve the same results.

Most people have heard of acid reflux and most people have heard of asthma, but not many are aware of acid reflux asthma. Acid reflux is experienced by as many as 70% of all asthmatics.

Acid reflux (often referred to as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux) is a persistent condition that occurs when acid and other materials in the stomach back up into the esophagus.

Asthma is a chronic health condition in which the airways become inflamed and sensitive, and overreact to certain triggers such as animal dander, pollen, cigarette smoke, cold air, certain smells, and even strong emotions.

<b>Acid Reflux Asthma</b>

Acid reflux is experienced by as many as 70% of all asthmatics. The exact cause of this relationship is still unclear, however, there are several theories.

One theory is that the chronic cough caused by asthma attacks increases the pressure in the chest. It’s thought that this high pressure forces the stomach acid up the esophagus, resulting in reflux symptoms. On the flip side, the effect acid reflux can have on asthma is to irritate the lungs and further aggravate the condition, something that has been observed in many asthma patients.

Another theory is that some asthma medications designed to relax the airways may also relax the esophageal sphincter, thereby allowing the rise of the stomach acids which creates acid reflux.

The irony is that acid reflux treatments generally do not improve an asthma condition, so the relationship between the two continues to be a bit baffling.

One of the reasons I much prefer natural solutions to health problems whenever possible is the side effects that are often unanticipated when people take drugs.

This week the Food and Drug Administration said the drug widely known as Reglan, prescribed for heartburn, has been shown to cause spasms and tics when used for long periods of time or at high doses. The problems include uncontrollable movement of the limbs, face and tongue, and are usually irreversible, even after patients stop taking the drug, according to the FDA’s warning.

More than 2 million U.S. patients use the drugs, according to the FDA.

Always be careful when you take drugs. Just because they’re prescription drugs doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

Silent acid reflux is basically what it sounds like … a situation where a person has acid reflux but is unaware of it. This is often why people have difficulty sleeping at night. The rise of stomach acid into the esophagus causes periods of coming awake, then falling back to sleep, coming awake, then falling back to sleep again, quite similar to sleep apnea. In fact, snoring may even be attributable to this condition.

So how do you know if you’ve got silent acid reflux? Well, although the cause is the same as regular heartburn or acid reflux (a rise of stomach acid), the symptoms are less obvious. You may not experience the burning sensation in your chest. However, you may find that you wake up hoarse in the morning or have trouble talking or often have a morning cough. These can be indications that the stomach acid has reached your voice cords during the night while you were sleeping. Which may also be why you’re so exhausted in the morning. You’ve been slipping in and out of sleep all night.

The treatment for silent acid reflux is the same as it is for acid reflux. The challenge is recognizing that you have the condition. So if you find yourself struggling with persistent hoarseness or a cough in the morning or endless nights of restless sleep, it’s probably worth a visit to your physician for a diagnosis. Once acid reflux is diagnosed, your doctor can prescribe a course of action to get you feeling better.