Acid Reflux

Health Tip Week November 8-12, 2010

Acid Reflux

What is it?

Acid Reflux (heartburn), is a painful and burning sensation in the Esophagus, just behind the breastbone, usually associated with regurgitation of gastric acid (gastric reflux). The pain rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.

                                                       Stomach

Symptoms of Acid Reflux:

• Chest pain (part of heartburn sensation)
• Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest towards the neck)
• Regurgitation (bringing food back up into the mouth)
• Asthma (gastric juices seep upwards into the throat, mouth and air passages)
• Dental erosion
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Hoarseness

Acid Reflux is the action and Heartburn is the sensation.

      

The pain is Heartburn, and the movement of acid into the Esophagus from the stomach is acid reflux. 

Esophagus

The Esophagus is the tube between the stomach and the pharynx (about 25 cm long), which is a the back of your throat.

                                                               
 Causes of Acid Reflux:

• Pregnancy
• Large meals and eating habits
• Bending forward
• Hiatus hernia
• Peptic ulcer and insufficient digestive enzymes
• Asthma
• Smoking
• Alcohol

Foods or drinks that cause irritation:

• Alcohol
• Black pepper
• Chili ans chili powder
• Citrus fruit
• Coffee
• Spicy food
• Tea
• Tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, ketchup
• Vinegar 

 

 

Treatment:

• Antiacids
• Acid suppressant
• Propton pump inhibitors
• Prokinetic agents

More information to come on this issue.

We are looking for natural remedies to help
Stay tune

Live well
Doc V