For people who suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days a week, the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a strong possibility. People of all ages suffer from mild heartburn or acidic regurgitation on occasion. Even infants can suffer from heartburn due to the fact that they consume only liquids or soft foods. However, frequent, persistent heartburn is the primary symptom associated with acid reflux disease or GERD.

While many suffer from an occasional bout with heartburn, the diagnosis of acid reflux disease, should only be made if the heartburn causes impediments to one’s lifestyle due to severe, chronic discomfort over prolonged periods of time. Usually, if one suffers from heartburn 2 or more times per week for at least 12 weeks, there’s a good chance that your diagnosis would be GERD.

There are a number of potential causes of GERD as well as problems that may masquerade as GERD.

An ulcer may cause problems similar to a diagnosis of GERD and if correctly diagnosed may discount the possibility of acid reflux disease. Most often a doctor can not diagnosis the exact cause of a chronic condition of painful heartburn without further monitoring of the condition.

Chewing gum and eating hard sweets can cause excessive air to be swallowed, thus causing gas and reflux. This occurs because of the potential incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. Consequently, acidic contents from the stomach reflux up into the esophagus, which results in the familiar burning sensation of heartburn.

Acid reflux symptoms can include a multitude of symptoms including recurrent coughing, wheezing, breathing problems, bad breath, chest pain, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis (bad breath).

Acid reflux can also lead to a most unpleasant symptom–regurgitation of acid into the mouth.

Some patients who are unable to control their symptoms with non-prescription medication may either choose prescription antacids or surgery, or opt for a combination of the two.

But some experts feel that a natural approach to combating and preventing acid reflux may be a better and safer bet.

It has been shown that for many people, the addition of natural enzyme support at mealtime can be very effective in combating heartburn. Pepsin is one such natural enzyme that can be very effective in breaking down proteins. Other digestive enzymes can target fats, carbohydrates, lactose (milk sugars) etc.

One of the most important things one can do to prevent symptoms of heartburn is to avoid certain foods. The avoidance of coffee, alcohol, spicy foods may be necessary for long-term control of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition.

Losing weight is a particularly effective help for many people who are seeking answers.

Another way to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux disease is to try to more effectively manage stress, which can cause the body to produce more acid, often causing a flare-up.

The symptoms of both heart problems and acid reflux are very similar, but the treatment is obviously very different. Fortunately GERD can be cured, but the treatment depends on how far the disease has advanced. With major improvement in the understanding, diagnosis and management of acid reflux, family doctors and gastroenterologists have a greater variety of options for treatment of acid reflux. Also, with the understanding that many natural approaches are effective in dealing with acid reflux problems, more and more people are gaining control on a problematic malady.

Sandra Tobin is an online researcher and natural health proponent. For more information on this topic go to: heartburnreliefnow.com/

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Heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest, is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It is a burning discomfort that is generally felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when harsh stomach juices come in contact with and irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus. (Also known as acid indigestion or pyrosis). A burning sensation felt in the chest and throat when acid from the stomach leaks up into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the muscle at the top of the stomach that usually prevents digestive acids from going back up relaxes, allowing gastric juices to splash back. Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.

Continual bouts of heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Frequent or severe heartburn may limit daily activities and lead to further complications such as ulcers in the esophagus. With proper understanding of heartburn and treatment, relief can be obtained from this condition.

Antacids, acid blockers, and perhaps surgery may provide relief from heartburn and prevent it from turning into more serious disease.

For mild or occasional symptoms, simple lifestyle modifications can be helpful. Avoid large meals.
Avoid caffeine (coffee, teas, some soft drinks).
Avoid foods or drinks that reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter such as chocolate, peppermint, caffeine-containing beverages, and fatty or fried foods.
Avoid foods that damage the esophagus such as spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces.
After eating, beware of activities that force acid back into your esophagus. Such activities include lifting, straining, coughing, and wearing tight clothing.
Avoid the foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn symptoms or relax the sphincter muscle. (These may include onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeine-containing beverages and foods, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, or high-fat foods). A good way to figure out what foods cause your symptoms is to keep a heartburn diary.
Shed some pounds. If you are overweight, losing weight by following a healthy weight loss plan can help relieve your symptoms.
Stop smoking. Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and prevents the acid-containing contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.
Many women will experience heartburn during their pregnancy. Even for women who have never experienced it before, heartburn may occur for the first time while they are pregnant. That burning sensation in the chest and throat, and sour, acidic taste in the mouth, may become an all too familiar sensation for some of them.

Treatment medication for Heartburn
Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. They are usually the first remedy doctors will recommend patients take to relief heartburn symptoms. Antacids include Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon, and Chooz.
H2 blockers, also called H2 receptor agonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. H2 blockers include Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. PPIs include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix.

Rachel Broune writes articles for vitamins guide. He also writes for natural herbs and womens health.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

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