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What Causes Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD)

By: paul laris

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Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (muscular valve) doesn't properly close allowing acid from the stomach to reflux back up the esophagus which can cause burning of the esophageal lining.

Acid reflux is a burning sensation usually in the chest area just behind the breast bone. Acid reflux is often more painful when bending over or lying down.

It is not something to be concerned about if you have heartburn occasionally. It can be treated easily with over-the-counter medications and making some lifestyle changes.

Here Are Some Medical Conditions That Can Increase The Chance Of Having Acid Reflux:

Hiatal Hernia
Diabetes
Autoimmune diseases, such as Crest syndrome, scleroderma and Raynaud phenomenon.

Some Prescription Medications Can Interfere With The Lower Esophageal Sphincter Function, These Include:

Certain blood pressure medications.
Some heart medications.
The asthma drug, theophylline.
Some osteoporosis medications.
Aspirin and ibuprofen.

Heartburn that occurs more frequently and interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom that is more serious. It's a good idea to see your doctor and discuss your symptoms.

Heartburn Symptoms Include:

Burning pain in the chest.
Abnormal belching.
Pain that worsens when bending over or lying down.
Difficulty swallowing.
Chronic sore throat.
Bad taste in the mouth.
Inflammation of the gums.

Tooth enamel erosion.
Please note: chest pain due to heartburn and chest pain due to heart problems are difficult to distinguish between, therefore, it is important to get all chest pain evaluated immediately by your doctor.

Heartburn Treatment and Medication
There are many medications that you can find over-the-counter that can help relieve the pain of acid reflux, these include:

Anti-acids that help neutralize stomach acid, such as Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta and Maalox, and can provide quick pain relief.

Drugs that can reduce acid production, H-2-receptor blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) or ranitidine (Zantac). These blockers help provide longer relief but are not as quick acting as anti-acids.

Drugs that control acid production and can heal the esophageal lining are called proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) .

Make sure you read and follow the instructions on all medications. If these over-the-counter treatments do not work or you feel you are using them too often, check with your doctor.

Foods That Cause Acid Reflux in Some People

Alcohol
Coffee
Orange Juice
Soft drinks
Black pepper
Chocolate
Peppermint
Fatty foods
Fried foods
Ketchup
Mustard
Tomato Sauce
Vinegar

There are simple lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce acid reflux.

Here Are A Few Heartburn Treatment Options You Can Do:
Avoid certain foods that trigger your heartburn.

Eat smaller portions of food.
Keep your weight down.
Don't eat late at night.
Avoid lying down after you have eaten.
If you smoke, stop smoking.
When sleeping, elevate your body from the waist up, using a wedge pillow.
Avoid wearing clothing that fits too tightly around your waist.
Children and teenagers are also at risk for developing acid reflux disease (GERD) due to an increase in poor diet and obesity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VIDEO GO TO:
http://www.emergencysuppliesinfo.com/heartburn-treatment.html

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Paul Laris is an author and advisor on Emergency, Disaster and First Aid information. His website EmergencySuppliesInfo.com, will give you up to date information and videos on what to do before, during and after an Emergency.

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