05.25.11
What To Do About That Acid Reflex Pain
Acid reflex also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and gastric reflux disease is damage to the mucosal layer in the esophagus by stomach acid ascending up into the esophagus through the esophageal sphincter. What results is heartburn; which is the burning sensation in the esophagus due to the acid wearing away the lining of the esophageal wall. The sensation is close to the heart giving a burning sensation in chest.Acid reflux is caused by the failure of the cardia (esophageal sphincter). If the angle in which the esophagus enters the stomach to create a valve that prevents the contents of the stomach from travelling back up into the esophagus is interrupted then the sensitive esophageal tissue will be damaged. There are several factors that can cause symptoms; the most common are obesity, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Scleroderma, visceroptosis, obstructive sleep apnea, gallstones, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.The first thing you should do is to cut back on smoking, alcohol, coffee, fatty foods, and laying down after a meal. Yes, what was just mentioned are some of life’s best things to do, but did you know that acid relax can cause esophageal cancer which is far worse than an uncomfortable pain. Before you resort to any medication for relief, try some of the practical things. Avoid pressure on your abdomen area, wait at least two hours before going to bed after a meal and try and keep your head elevated 4-6 inches off the bed. If the practical treatment for acid reflux aren’t working then try buying over-the-counter medication with pharmacy coupons. Antacids like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, Gastrocote, and Gaviscon neutralize stomach acid. Overuse can lead to diarrhea or constipation. Pepto-Bismol is a very common treatment that works very well. Another way of treatment is to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach by taking Histamine (H-2) receptor blockers, such as Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC and Zantac 75. However, side-effects include dizziness, diarrhea and headache. If you’re acid reflex is extreme and beyond the help of over-the-counter medication then try prescription acid suppressing medications, like H-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors.