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What is acid reflux relief?

In medically oriented terms, antonyms of the word relief include pain, distress or damage. That links its meaning to both subjective and objective aspects. Subjective, denoting sensations experienced by the sufferer such as pain and objective, meaning physical findings detected by specialists which are either functional distress or organic damage. Actually relief is related to control measures and it quantitatively signifies removal of an unpleasant existence or reduction of its magnitude. The definition of relief, therefore encompasses alleviation of pain, relaxation of distress and healing of damage. Acid reflux on the other hand has two sides; the subjective side (symptoms) which reflects the symptom of heartburn and the objective side (signs) that reflects the functional and/or organic signs of esophageal changes. Acid reflux relief is therefore a broad term that covers all the measures used to control symptoms and signs of acid reflux disease. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter remains closed except during swallowing. This prevents the passage of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus. If the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened or relaxed, stomach acid may back up into the esophagus. Frequent acid reflux can irritate and inflame the lining of the esophagus, causing symptoms and signs of acid reflux. A better understanding of relief would thus entail knowledge of some aspects of normal structure and function, so that changes in the disease and its control could be easily considered. Actually acid reflux relief involves both preventive and curative measures, and in addition to treatment; orientation with the causes, symptoms and complications of acid reflux are essential for proper management. Acid reflux relief includes: dietary changes,lifestyle modifications, specific medications and surgical operations.Basic knowledge of the underlying causes and progression of acid reflux and answering frequently asked questions about its relief; add to the depth of understanding.

Showing posts with label heartburn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heartburn. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Acid Reflux Relief logoAbout heartburn

What is heartburn?
When acidic stomach juices flow backward into the esophagus a burning discomfort is felt in the mid-chest, behind the breastbone. This is the mechanism of causation of heartburn.
But why acid flows backward?
The esophagus is a tube-like structure that connects the pharynx to the stomach and acts as a passage way for food. This flow is normally uni-directional towards the stomach and the esophagus by virtue of its lower sphincter prevents backflow.
The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a valve that keeps acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus. If the normally contracted muscle relaxes the stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus.
So what are the causes of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter?
Some medications and food are responsible, these include: chocolate, caffeine, fatty or spicy food, onions, mint and alcohol. Acidic foods and vegetables are also considered.
Acid reflux relief could thus be prevented by avoiding such medications and food that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Posted by SSS at 11:40 AM

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Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Acid Reflux Relief logoHeartburn vs GERD

What is the difference between heartburn and GERD?
Heartburn is a symptom (an unpleasant sensation experienced by a patient)
GERD on the other hand is a disease with changes in function and/or appearance of the esophagus.
G: Gastro (related to the stomach); E: Esophageal; R: Reflux and D: Disease.

Posted by SSS at 11:11 AM

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Saturday, July 7, 2007

Acid Reflux Relief logoAcid production in the stomach

But acid is normally produced in the stomach without heartburn?
Yes; the stomach is full of acid; but is built to handle it and is protected by a specialized barrier of mucus and cell wall. The esophagus on the other hand is not well protected from the injurious effect of acid and results in a burning sensation when acid regurgitates into the esophagus.

Posted by SSS at 11:36 AM

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