What Is Acid reflux Disease After All?

Our food pipe and stomach are very complicated organs and they can react in a totally unexpected way at times. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a valve right at the beginning of our stomach which is located in our esophagus and is responsible for closing the entrance to our stomach as soon as the food passes. Acid reflux happens when this valve weakens or doesn’t close all the way. It also happens when it opens too often. This makes the acid produced by your stomach move up into your food pipe and this is called acid reflux. And in medical words it is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Following Are Some Of The Most Common Risk Factors For Acid reflux Disease:

• If you have a habit of eating large meals in long gaps of time and then lying down right after having your stomach full
• Remember, being overweight or obese is also a big reason for GERD or acid reflux
• When you eat a heavy or greasy or oily meal and then lie down on your back or bend over at the waist to pick something up
• It can also happen if and when you snack close to bedtime
• Even eating certain foods can cause this. Those foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes and chocolate. Also mint, garlic, and onions, and of course spicy or fatty foods are another reason for acid reflux
• Do you know that drinking certain beverages may cause it too? If you drink too much alcohol, or coffee / tea or any kind of carbonated drinks, you are increasing the risk of acid reflux
• Your habit of smoking can cause it too
• It can also happen when you are pregnant
• If you are on certain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or if you are taking certain muscle relaxers, or medicines for blood pressure, even they may cause acid reflux disease

You should also be aware of some of the most common symptoms of acid reflux disease if you want to detect it in its tracks and take the necessary steps to prevent it from getting worse. So here goes nothing:

• Heartburn which is again a very common symptom and is characterized by a burning pain or discomfort in your esophagus and sometimes throat as well; it can also move from your stomach to your chest and / or abdomen
• Regurgitation which is the upward movement of a sour or bitter-tasting acid into your throat or mouth

Other Symptoms Include:

• Bloating
• Bloody or black stools
• Bloody vomit
• Burps
• Dysphagia
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Wheezing
• Dry cough
• Hoarseness
• Chronic sore throat

Don’t forget to read our previous article: Top 5 Qualities A Professional Medical Specialist Should Hold