SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms or persistent heartburn. Acid reflux is a faily common gastrointestinal condition with over 60 million Americans suffering from the disease. Persistent heartburn characterized as occurring more than two times a week is the main symptom of acid reflux. Additional symptoms include pain and burning in the chest or throat, sour taste in the mouth, with an increase in symptoms at night or when lying down. Chronic heartburn accompanied by regurgitation and dyspepsia are signs that heartburn may be the more serious condition of acid reflux disease. Heartburn can radiate from the middle of the abdomen to the chest often giving off the impression of a heart attack or cardiac complications. Regurgitation can result in deep burps, or even vomiting of the stomach contents and stomach acids. Dyspenia refers to a general feeling of stomach discomfort and is best characterized by burping, nausea after consuming meals and abdominal pain and bloating. Risk factors associated with acid reflux include obesity, heavy cigarette smoking, alcohol use and pregnancy.
Some drugs that may be taken to treat other conditions may increase a person's likelihood to develop acid reflux or increase the severity. Beta-blocker for high blood pressure, bronchodilators for asthma therapy, and progestin, sedative, and tricylic antidepressants all can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. The ingestion of certain foods can also increase the severity of acid reflux these include fatty, greasy or spicy foods, soda, coffee and even caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, as well as garlic and onions are all foods that can trigger acid reflux. If left untreated acid reflux can cause severe damage to the lining of the esophagus resulting in throat pain known as esophagitis; inflammation of the esophagus.
Untreated acid reflux can cause complicates to include ulcers and strictures within the esophagus, chronic coughs, lung infections and fluid buildup in the middle ear and sinus cavities. Another complication with untreated acid reflux disease is Barrett's esophagus, a condition that considered as precancerous. Individuals with Barrett's esophagus have a greater risk of developing Barrett's adenocarcinoma; an esophageal cancer. Barrett's esophagus is characterized by a narrowing of the esophagus giving the impression of swallowing difficulties, a hoarse voice, or the sensation of food lodged in the throat. Bleeding may occur within the gastrointestinal tract resulting in black stools and iron deficiency anemia.