Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a fairly common affliction. It is characterized by bouts of intense heartburn or a burning sensation in the back of the throat. A lot of the time, the pain is experienced during sleep periods. This is not the case all the time, but it is common to have attacks at night.
As stated earlier, heartburn is symptomatic of GERD. If a person is having attacks of heartburn more than three times a week, acid reflux disease is a good probability for that person. Prompt attention is required to avoid serious damage to the lining of the esophagus or the formation of ulcers both in the stomach and in the esophagus.
There are many drugs that can be used to treat acid reflux disease. You have probably heard of Zantac 75, Prilosec OTC or Nexium. These are available at local drug stores and can help the symptoms, yet do nothing for the condition itself. They hold a small dosage that is allowable over the counter without a prescription.
In order to treat the entire condition, however, a physician's care is recommended. Acid reflux disease is also a known cause of esophageal cancer and other related maladies. This is why you should seek a physician immediately.
Acid reflux can be treated in several ways including watching the diet, elevation during sleep and pharmaceutical therapy. There is no tie between spicy foods and GERD, but it doesn't help. More important is the amounts of food that are eaten. When you overeat, the stomach has to produce more acid than your stomach can get rid of.
Foods that are hard to digest also can bring on attacks of GERD. Foods like peanuts, milk or dairy products and such force the stomach to, again, produce more acid than is necessary. The excess finds it's way into the esophagus and results in a painful heartburn sensation. The attacks feel like heartburn but much more intense and can last for hours at a time.
To avoid attacks during sleep periods, it is common to elevate the head slightly at bedtime. This keeps the throat area higher and gravity is employed to keep the acid in the stomach. What happens during sleep is that the valve between the stomach and the esophagus relaxes (or possibly is weak) and allows stomach contents to enter the esophagus and up to the throat. This is when you feel the heartburn sensation mentioned earlier.
The causes of GERD are still under research, but there are two basic situations in the disease. Either the stomach simply produces too much acid or the stomach cannot process a normal amount of acid. Either way, the effect is the same.
So if you are experiencing heartburn more than three times a week or your heartburn is excessively painful, consult a physician immediately. If you do have GERD, you are running the risk of other more serious conditions like stomach cancer, esophageal cancer and ulcers all along the digestive tract. GERD has been tied to these diseases and this is a real danger.
Related Articles
Infant Acid Reflux Tips
By: David Karlson | 22/06/2008 | Wellness
Infant acid reflux or gastro esophageal reflux is a condition that appears in more than fifty percent of infants during the first few months of their birth. Most commonly, this problem appears in infants after feeding and occasionally while they cough, cry or strain for some reason.
Forbidden Foods to Eat with Acid Reflux
By: Jeff Martin | 10/07/2008 | Nutrition
The wrong nutrition can put acid reflux sufferers at risk. Find out about the right nutrition for acid reflux sufferers who want to stay on the way to recovery.
What Is Acid Reflux? Symptoms, Causes, Dangers And Solutions
By: Jeff Martin | 17/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
What is acid reflux? Acid reflux is a danger sign. Get crucial facts on how to diagnose and treat heartburn.
Symptoms And Treatment For Acid Reflux
By: Keith George | 06/03/2007 | Health
If you follow a diet plan that is low in fatty and fried foods and calls for meals every couple of hours is not only one of the effective natural remedies for acid reflux. It could help you lose weight since it primes the metabolism.
What Not To Eat And What To Eat During Your Acid Reflux Bouts
By: Ashton Renderly | 17/06/2006 | Advice
First things first, what is acid reflux? The more technical term is GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is where mucous damage exists due to the production of abnormal gastric juice content in the esophagus.
Planning Your Acid Reflux Diet
By: Ryan Moxie | 22/06/2008 | Health
Acid reflux is a medical condition that affects people of all ages. Acid reflux happens when the stomach produces acid to digest food and that acid regurgitates into the esophagus. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Symptoms: Our Health Depends On The Initial Diagnosis
By: Jeff Martin | 15/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Acid reflux symptoms can be dangerous if you neglect them. Get the facts on self-diagnosis and treating your acid reflux.
Acid reflux - Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
By: Keith George | 28/06/2006 | Non-Fiction
Almost everyone has occasional heartburn. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week for at least three months, you may have acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve separating the esophagus and stomach, does not close properly, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long it takes to get rid of acid reflux after ...
By: sheila | 18-06-2008
how long it takes to get rid of acid reflux after i take nexium
What alcohol is the least bad to drink with acid reflux
By: Billy Ray | 06-06-2008
What alcohol is the least bad to drink for someone who suffers from Acid Reflux/GERD? I know abstaining from alcohol is often recommended but I'm asking for something to drink in social situations where an alcoholic drink is nice. I know red wine is terrible for me.
My husband has acid reflux really bad and none of ...
By: joan | 20-05-2008
my husband has acid reflux really bad and none of the meds that he has taken helps not even percription he has had this problem for about 15 years please help.
Hey i'm a 17 year old Girl ..
By: His babie | 15-05-2008
hey i'm a 17 year old Girl and i have been havin of the symptoms. all i really want to know is how to get rid of it with our buyin the book. Please i really need the help. Thank you Charity
How do you deal with bile reflux? I think that is ...
By: tinyrufus | 11-01-2008
How do you deal with bile reflux? I think that is why I am not responding 100% to the Prevacid. I had my gallbladder out and I know my diet was not good.
Esophagitis
By: bpandey | 30-08-2007
well i have recently being diagnosed with esophagitis grade 3 which is pretty severe.i have been prescribed pariet 20mg twice a day. i am taking it and it has been helpful. i have made small changes in my diet as well.dont have heartburn any more but still have acid reflux. can someone please advise how to get rid of acid reflux. i am 25 years old and am trying to get pregnant. can someone please advise if it is safe to fall pregnant while i have this condition and if it is safe to continue taking pariet during pregnancy? thanks
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Fitness Articles
Different Type of Exercises
By: prabakar | 26/07/2008
People who suffer from sciatica will often feel pain in their leg which can travel from the back of their thigh up to the thigh and in some cases up to the hip or down towards the foot. Exercise is actually extremely important to our spine especially in order to keep the discs within the spine healthy. However the actual sciatica exercises a person will use to treat the problem will depend on what the actual cause of the pain is.
Asthma and the Stomach
By: Alien | 26/07/2008
More and more clearly there seems to be some relationship between bronchial asthma and stomach function. Asthmatics often suffer from digestive problems, frequently complaining about excess stomach acid.
Asthma and Related Illnesses
By: Alien | 26/07/2008
Althought asthma is a disease of the lungs, it may be influenced by illnesses that affect other parts of the body. In many asthma patients, treating these related illnesses even may improve their bronchial asthma condition.
Lower Body Exercise Secrets of the Stars
By: Lyla Feldman | 25/07/2008
There are many celebrities who are famous for their body parts and even get them insured for pricey amounts of money. For example, when you think of Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian what comes to mind? Besides the fact that they are extremely talented and wealthy what do they have in common? Everyone wishes they had their behinds. The million dollar question is how do you get a nice, round attractive bottom without resorting to implants or butt pads?
Strength Training Exercise
By: prabakar | 25/07/2008
Take your time when toning your body. You can maximize the benefit of a biceps strength training exercise, a back strength training exercise, a chest strength training exercise, and so on, by doing them in small blocks of time every day. Don't be discouraged from your fitness walking regimen.
Best Workouts for Your Health
By: prabakar | 25/07/2008
Workouts For You custom designs each program based on individual needs, lifestyle and goals to ensure that each client is working out using exercises that are most efficient for them. Plus, if you ever have any questions about any part of your WFY training program, you can e-mail your trainer and you'll receive a quick response. Many workplaces now have showers, so you can freshen up afterwards.
Using Information From Testing
By: Alien | 25/07/2008
Perhaps clearer explanations of management methods are needed. There are several methods of managing insulin, as follows: Method 1: Complete Management by the Physician. The physician mayor may not have the patient do self-blood-sugar monitoring.
Diabetes - Gaining Their Support
By: Alien | 25/07/2008
You can help your family in many ways, some of which may be quite subtle. One way is to see that your family receives diabetes education. This gives them some understanding of how they can be of assistance.
More from Hamza Davis
Will Adding Calcium Carbonate Improve My Diet?
By: Hamza Davis | 16/01/2008 | Health
An increasing number of health care professionals don't see the need for supplements of vitamins and minerals, but it is possible to become deficient in these building blocks for the human body when we are under the stress of illness, pregnancy or aging. Children can often eat junk foods to fill their bellies and miss out on their once daily nutritional requirements.
Can I Pass My Kidney Stones Please?
By: Hamza Davis | 11/01/2008 | Health
Several diseases are the eventuality of the accumulation of toxic materials in the body. Unnecessary accumulation of waste materials indicates the poor health of excretory organs.
Are the Myths About Skin Cancer Valid?
By: Hamza Davis | 06/01/2008 | Health
We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer?
How Can I Diagnose Prostate Cancer?
By: Hamza Davis | 02/01/2008 | Health
Most importantly, if you suspect any prostate problems get to a physician for an evaluation as soon as possible. Do not wait. Make a prostate evaluation a part of your yearly physical exam.
Can I Cure My Addiction to Alcohol?
By: Hamza Davis | 31/12/2007 | Health
I find it striking about the number of articles that have been written this week about curing the big hangover that accompanies this celebration. Does this celebration mask our overdependence to alcohol?
Buying the Right Exercise Bikes and not Looking Like an Idiot
By: Hamza Davis | 08/12/2007 | Fitness
Sometimes going to the gym is just not convenient. We have to work, take care of the kids and do the various chores that require us to live in a modern world. Unfortunately today's engrossed situation can really take a toll on your health. We all know that we need to take the time to exercise but where do we actually find that time? A resolution is to gain exercise equipment for your home.
What's the Contrast Between Good Fats and Bad Fats?
By: Hamza Davis | 26/11/2007 | Fitness
As bad as saturated fats are for our health, Trans fats are even worse.
Understanding the Zenith 42 Plasma Hdtv
By: Hamza Davis | 20/11/2007 | Technology
Zenith 42 Plasma HDTV sets, also known as plasma HDTV displays have been obtainable for several years; however, they are more popular than ever today.
Sports and Fitness 
