Almost everyone experiences acid reflux, or heartburn, from time to time. This is typically caused by eating spicy or acidic foods. However, if you experience heartburn often, or more than two days in a row, you may have a condition referred to as acid reflux disease, or GERD. GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition which causes frequent heartburn that does not go away on its own. GERD is typically caused by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to close, which allows for stomach acid to be expelled into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

While typical heartburn is not usually a cause for concern, chronic heartburn can be very dangerous, leading up to conditions as serious as cancer. Over time, the stomach acid that is uncontained can cause cellular and molecular changes that can lead to the development of tumors. Stomach acid in the esophagus can also eat away at the lining of the throat, leading to more severe pain, as well as the need for more invasive treatment options.

People suffering from chronic heartburn are typically prescribed medication to control the problem. These medications work by affecting proton pumps. These proton pump inhibitors allow for the body to not produce as much acid, thus relieving symptoms. Another treatment option is to ingest an antacid before and after a meal to reduce the acid level in the stomach. However, these medications would need to be taken on a continual basis to control symptoms of GERD.

Aside from medication, another way to control and prevent acid reflux from occurring is to modify your lifestyle. Controlling what foods you eat may be one of the easiest forms of acid reflux disease treatment. Avoiding spicy foods with a high acidic value is recommended. Other factors, such as smoking and alcohol intake come into play as well. Smoking reduces the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, meaning it is more likely that acid will be expelled into the esophagus. Also, the position in which you sleep can effect the severity of GERD symptoms. Sleeping with your head elevated may be one way to combat the amount of acid making its way up the esophagus. Finally, obesity can effect GERD, so it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight.

If your doctor recommends it, surgery is also an option. Most surgical procedures work by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter, thus eliminating the chance for acid to reach into the esophagus. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases that have been unresponsive to medication, so it is important to explore all avenues of treatment before considering surgery.

As mentioned, most people will experience heartburn symptoms at some point or another in their lives. This is normal and the heartburn should disappear within a day. If you have found yourself suffering from heartburn on a frequent basis, it is very important to contact your primary care physician to be examined, as well as discuss treatment options. Remember, chronic heartburn is a very serious issue and should not be dismissed.

To learn more about the causes and cures for chronic heartburn be sure to visit Reflux Remedy today!