Most people will experience occasional heartburn but millions experience a more serious condition often referred to as GERD, an acronym for gastro esophageal reflux disease. What is GERD and is it the same as Acid Reflux? The answer is “yes”. Typically GERD and Acid Reflux refer to the same problem where liquid contents in the stomach regurgitate (or refluxes upward into the esophagus).

The most common symptom of GERD is a burning sensation that radiates up from the stomach and into the chest and throat. Other symptoms may include cramps, difficulty or pain when swallowing. A patient may experience pain behind or below the breastbone. They may have vomiting at night and liquid may be inhaled into the lungs. Excess saliva, bad breath, sore throat, hoarseness, coughing (sometimes excessively), shortness of breath or any combination of these symptoms may occur. Acid in the mouth can also cause erosion of tooth enamel on the surface of teeth.

One study revealed that nearly three-quarters of patients with frequent GERD problems experience their worst symptoms at night. To fully understand GERD one must realize that the main problem stems from eating too much in the evening. To solve the problem, diet can be adjusted to substitute a lighter meal at dinner and a small snack later, as opposed to one large meal in the evening. Typically one should not eat two to three hours before bedtime and it’s best not to lie down immediately after eating.

Additional factors that may contribute to GERD include smoking, being overweight, pregnant, use of certain medications and eating foods that aggravate the condition but that varies with each individual. Certain types of foods are bad for GERD. It’s best to avoid high-fat meals and to eat foods high in complex carbohydrates instead. One should also avoid clothing that fits too tight across the midsection of the body.

How are symptoms of GERD diagnosed? A physician can take a complete medical history and review symptoms. A visit with a specialist may be recommended to evaluate symptoms in greater depth and likely order test. To determine a GERD diagnosis one test includes x-rays after the patient drinks a solution of barium. In addition an Esophagoscopy may be ordered. An Esophagoscopy is a test where a flexible tube is inserted so the Gastroenterologist can have a better view of the esophagus. If a problem is detected the physician will determine the best form of treatment for symptoms of Acid Reflux.

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Many people in todays population suffer from heartburn on a occasional basis. This is one of the reasons that if you walk into a local store will find a lot of remedies for curring heartburn.

It is said that around 30% of the population suffers from heartburn. That is a large amount of people. If there were adequate heartburn information about causes and simple cures there could be less people suffering from the condition.

Heartburn-What is it?

Available heartburn information says it is the condition where the natural acid of the stomach which is necessary to digest our food moves up into the esophagus and even into the throat and nasal cavities for some people. This causes burning and pain.

The stomach has a protective lining which except with ulcers and other ailments prevents the acid from getting through. The esophagus does not have the same mucus layer as the stomach and is vulnerable to the caustic acid. This condition can become chronic in a condition called (GERD) which according to information on heartburn is called gastroesophagael reflux disease. This disease can have serious complication but is easily treated with medicines.

Heartburn-What does it feel like

When heartburn occurs you get the familiar burning at the back of your breast bone that for some can feel as severe as a heart attack. Heartburn informational literature says that other symptoms include chest pain, burping or inability to burp, sour stomach, shortness of breath, burning or tightness in the throat, bloating and extended abdomen area. The heartburn can last for a short term or over hours. Chronic heartburn occurs several times a week.

Heartburn-Who gets it

It has been shown in heartburn information that people who suffer with diabetes, obesity and peptic ulcers may be more inclined to get heartburn. Pregnant women are also shown to be more susceptible according to other heartburn informational data. The hormone progesterone is secreted more abundantly in pregnant woman and has been shown to increase heartburn. Of course the extra pressure of the baby on the stomach also adds to it.

Stop suffering from heartburn and to get heartburn relief try visiting www.myheartburnrelief.org where you will find tips and tricks for frequent heartburn, heartburn during pregnancy, natural remedy for heartburn, heartburn treatment, and if you want heartburn relief for good

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