The acid reflux condition and its treatment

If the gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus, we can say that person has an acid reflux condition. People affected by the acid reflux, have often symptoms like chest pain, regurgitation, a burning that is rising from the stomach up towards the neck, dental erosion, hoarseness and asthma.
There are some people that deal with this problem regularly, and that condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Normally, stomach acid and enzymes help the stomach to digest the food, and after it partially does that, the stomach muscle will deliver the content into the small intestine for further digestion.
There are a few factors that contribute to the apparition of acid reflux. Some of them are chocolate, caffeine, cigarettes, fatty foods, obesity and pregnancy. It is known that obesity and pregnancy are determining the pressure inside the abdomen to rise, and are pushing the stomach contents back into the esophagus. If a person has the stomach full of food and acid and lies down, there is an increased probability for the acid reflux to appear. There are also people who have stomachs that empty their content into the intestine very slowly.

The acid reflux can cause quite serious problems sometimes, it can affect the quality of life, and everyday activities. Acid reflux can cause heartburn, and sometimes, in more severe cases that can be very dangerous. The lining of the esophagus may become damaged and ulcerated, and because of this, may result difficulties or even pain when swallowing the foods or liquids, or narrowing.

There are a few medications that are usually used. Blockers, like histamine2-receptor antagonists are frequently used, because blocking the chemical named histamine, reduces acid production in the stomach. The histamine is usually released by the body during inflammations, and in the stomach it can release more acid, so it is important to block this chemical.
Prokinetic agents are also used , because they help in emptying the stomach and prevent it from being too full. Prokinetic agents increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter.
There are also the proton pump inhibitors, which have an action on cells in the stomach wall that are responsible with the release of acid into the stomach.
Antacids are some medicines that are being sold directly and they have effect in neutralising acid in the stomach. This medication is used usually to treat mild acid- related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion. It is important to know that they are not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn, that people with gastroesophageal reflux disease have.

The acid reflux can be a serious disease in some case, and it affects the everyday living, that is why it is important to treat it as soon as possible.

For more resources about acid reflux or especially about acid reflux surgery please click this link www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com/acid-reflux-surgery.htm

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

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