Acid Reflux
Preventing Acid Reflux Syndrome Disease
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Acid Reflux HomeAcid reflex or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) happens when the acids produced by your body to digest food backs up into your esophagus because your lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly. You probably didn’t realize this, but your stomach is extremely strong. The acids produced are the equivalent to battery acid however your esophagus is not built to withstand these extreme conditions. Although the most commonly reported symptoms are a burning sensation, some people will suffer from acid reflux without any heartburn. Other symptoms include a hoarse voice in the morning, chest pains, or trouble swallowing like there is food stuck in your throat. If left untreated you could suffer harsh consequences. Some of the short term complications are the obvious discomfort and pain. Other complications may not be so obvious, for example asthma, chronic cough, or fibrosis have shown to be aggravated or even caused by GERD. Long term and more severe effects of this disease include permanent damage to your esophagus. The constant acid backing up into your throat and esophagus causes inflammation and bleeding that over time can develop into scar tissue that narrows the passageway making it extremely difficult to swallow or even breathe this is called Esophagitis. If left untreated Esophagitis could lead to a more serious condition called Barrett’s Esophagus. This happens when the cells in your esophagus lining are replaced by cells similar to those found in the intestine. Barrett’s Esophagus may not cause symptoms itself but it is a significant risk factor for patients to develop a rare and deadly form of cancer. Cancer in the esophagus is broken down into two main categories Squamous cell carcinoma which develops in the squamous cells of the esophagus, and Adenocarcinoma which develops in the glandular tissue usually found in Barrett’s Esophagus in the lower part of the esophagus. There are often little or no symptoms associated with the early stages of esophageal cancer, but weight loss and difficulty swallowing are common for later stages. As the cancer grows, it narrows the esophagus making swallowing extremely difficult and painful. In the case of acid reflux the short term effects are not as detrimental as the long term, and there is no reason to let it get to the extremes. If you’re suffering from heartburn or acid indigestion more than two days a week for at least three months you should consider seeking medical care. Recommended Acid Reflux Diet Links-Page Googlemap Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
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