Acid Reflux Disease: The Facts about WHY You Have Heartburn

Heartburn, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is known, is caused by the coincidence of two medical conditions. The first condition contributing to Acid Reflux disease is the backward flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Nonetheless, the reflux does not always result in symptoms of Acid Reflux disease or changes in the organic tissues, and can happen in healthy individuals as well, when it is referred to as “physiologic gastroesophageal reflux”.

The next factor provoking Acid Reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circle of muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. When Acid Reflux disease occurs, the stomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut correctly. This is then called Acid Reflux disease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow.

Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the throat or the chest, when the contents of the stomach escapes back to the esophagus lining. The usual sensation connected to Acid Reflux disease is persistent (twice or week or more frequently) heartburn. Occasional heartburn can happen also. This is not necessarily a sign of Acid Reflux disease, as minor reflux can also happen to individuals in good health.

Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking or constriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomach contents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histological degradation. Other patients of Acid Reflux disease may also experience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache, sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods).

Some patients can develop a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, where cells occur in the esophageal lining take on abnormal shapes and colors. Notably in adults over 60 years old, this is a first stage leading to esophageal cancer. Other effects include narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When the stomach acid gets to the trachea and not only the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can occur. Acid Reflux disease that is not treated can have serious consequences on health.

There are three options for treating Acid Reflux disease: surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy that includes changes in diet and lifestyle and taking specific herbal supplements. Using surgery merits very careful consideration, given that certain underlying conditions can be complicated, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the options for medical intervention in cases of Acid Reflux disease. While it is possible to apply prescribed medications or acid blockers like these, remember that the results are sometimes only temporary and that conventional medicine can lead to serious side effects.

From an overall point of view, GERD is an alarm signal pertaining to a significant imbalance internally that must be correctly resolved. For this reason, alternative medicine such as homeopathic remedies, herbal medicine, changes in lifestyle as components of a full holistic plan are clearly recommended for sufferers of Acid Reflux.