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Acid Reflux Symptoms Explained |
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Wednesday, 02 May 2007 |
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When the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is often classified as acid reflux disease. Acid reflux symptoms can be detected after a variety of triggers, including stress and diet. The disease is often termed as heartburn, and can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the condition. The symptoms of acid reflux disease vary by individual, and during an episode or attack, they will become especially prevalent and even painful.
Sufferers of acid reflux disease will often experience a burning sensation in the lower chest, in addition to an acidic taste or bitter flavor in the back of the throat. This is a result of acid coming back up the esophagus from the stomach; the condition can be minimized by lying down for a few minutes so that the stomach contents can settle naturally.The natural process of ingestion and digestion involves three key elements of the body; the esophagus which connects the stomach through the neck, the stomach itself, and the lower intestine. When you eat or drink, food passes down the esophagus to enter the stomach. This ‘gate’ opens and closes as food passes through. If it does not close properly, the result can be a reflux reaction that causes stomach acid to pass back up towards the esophagus. Key symptoms of heartburn include burning, tingling in the back of the throat, and overall discomfort. If symptoms are exceptionally aggravating or get worse over time, a doctor may need to conduct an endoscopy to check for ulcers or cancer of the stomach. Over the counter medications are also available; these can help reduce the amount of acid the stomach makes, and regulate the acid reflux reaction on a consistent basis. In some cases, acid reflux disease or heartburn is mistaken as an early sign of heart disease. If you have symptoms including vomiting blood, difficulty swallowing, or are short of breath or dizzy on a regular basis, the conditions may actually be a precursor to a bigger problem. |
