When an individual continually suffers tightness in the chest or a burning sensation after eating a meal, chances are you are a prime candidate for acid reflux since this is a prime acid reflux symptom. As a main symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), acid reflux is a well-known condition amongst the community of heartburn sufferers.
Acid reflux symptoms are characterized by a burning-type of pain that occurs in the lower part of the mid-chest section. The burning sensation usually attacks behind the breastbone, as well as in the middle of the abdomen. While some people experience acid reflux symptoms on occasion, there are others who face daily discomfort, which often marks complications or a greater issue.
One of the most common of acid reflux symptoms is the heartburn that rises about the sternum. An individual may react by coughing and is sometimes overcome by a nauseous feeling. Additional acid reflux symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chronic chest pains, or an inflammation that strikes the esophageal lining. Some patients with acid reflux symptoms may complain of a hoarse voice, recurrent earaches, voice changes, and even sinusitis.
It is important to address acid reflux, since untreated symptoms may turn into a more serious medical problem. Complications associated with acid reflux include stricture formation, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal ulcers, and sometimes cancer of the esophagus, which is a common threat of adults more than 60 years old.
To better understand acid reflux symptoms, it is suggested to explore some of the possible causes, which to this day remain pretty unclear. Research suggests that acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (also referred to as LES) relaxes, while the rest of the esophagus is still in motion. Some believe inconsistencies with body parts (such as the upper part of the stomach) contribute to acid reflux symptoms. This is seen when a person with a hiatal hernia suffers from the signs and symptoms of acid reflux. An impaired removal of gastric reflux from the esophagus is also thought to further the problem.
Acid reflux is also thought to possess contributing factors to the condition, which includes obesity, pregnancy, and smoking. An array of commonly eaten foods is also known to worsen acid reflux symptoms, such as citrus fruits, chocolate, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, fat-rich or fried foods, garlic, onions, spicy items, and tomato-based foods, such as salsa, chili, and pizza.
Today, those who suffer from acid reflux symptoms have a wide-range of treatment options to consider, regardless if the condition is mild, moderate, or severe. While some of the most common approaches towards treatment include medications, there are surgical and other available methods. Many individuals use over-the-counter remedies to treat the occasional bout of mild heartburn. This may include antacids that come in both liquid and tablet form. Some of the more popular selections include Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums. These options neutralize the acid in the stomach to deliver rapid relief.
Some people also turn to over-the-counter H-2-receptor blockers (Tagamet HB and Pepcid AC), which aim to produce less acid. While they do not provide quick relief, the results are known to last longer than an antacid. Some people will avoid H-2-receptor blockers because of the possibility of side effects, which includes dry mouth, dizziness, and bowel changes. Another over-the-counter remedy includes proton pump inhibitors, which blocks acid production and promotes the healing of esophageal tissue.
You may wish to consider natural remedies, which have proven to be very effective for many people with acid reflux for many years, with a major benefit being that there are rarely any side effects, as can happen with many prescription medications. You may wish to visit Natural Health Remedies for more information about natural remedies for acid reflux.
When acid reflux symptoms lead to an inflamed esophagus, a doctor may suggest a prescription-strength medication that is often taken 30 minutes before eating a meal. Prescription-strength H-2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors, and prokonetic agents are some of the ways a doctor treats severe acid reflux symptoms. When needed, the most severe treatment is surgery, which often becomes necessary when acid reflux symptoms do not respond to medications, causes swallowing difficulties, produces regurgitated blood, creates black stools, and leads to weight loss.
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