Common Symptoms Experienced By A GERD Patient

Worst Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is a condition which is common to elder people, overweight, and those with unhealthy and stressful lifestyle. The symptoms of acid reflux disease at first serves as warning signs, but later on it aggravates to its severe form and would need intensive intervention.

Gastroesophageal Regurgitation Disease (GERD) is the severe form of acid reflux disorder, and this is manifested by heart burn, which can be felt due to the acid that comes back to the esophagus from the stomach. There are certain reasons why this is happening and one of this is the weakening of the esophageal sphincter muscle which can later on lead to esophageal cancer.

Common symptoms experienced by people suffering from GERD are:

• chest or stomach discomfort which can be described as a burning sensation.
• dyspepsia which happens after eating, bending down, or lying down flat.
• chest and stomach pain after consuming a large heavy meal or foods that are high in fat content and beverages with alcohol content.
• burping, this is known as a hallmark sign of acid reflux. There are also nausea and feeling of being bloat in the stomach.
• coughing, difficulty of breathing and swallowing can also appear on worst cases.

There are other serious symptoms of acid reflux disease which the person needs to seek immediate medical assistance. Severe GERD can lead to stricture of esophagus that results to difficulty in swallowing and spasm which can actually impede the breathing pattern. Continues regurgitation in the throat or mouth of beverages and food can be a sign of a dangerous stage of acid reflux. This can actually develop distaste to food, eroding enamel, and bad breath if left untreated. It can eventually lead to permanent digestive damage which later on develops to cancer.

Gastroesophageal Regurgitation Disease is a serious case that needs proper treatment. Although the less serious form of acid reflux disease would only require lifestyle and dietary modification, it is necessary to keep an eye on the symptoms and follow the regimen religiously. The symptoms may be simple at first but it can be a start of something worse. Once you feel the burning sensation which is known as heartburn, you need to consult your doctor immediately so that further test may be done and proper treatment may be given.

There are some diseases that have similar symptoms to GERD, this is one reason why to seek medical advice is necessary. Symptoms of acid reflux disease may be different from one person to another. The important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and act on its early stage. Do not wait until you have come to the point of no cure, and the sufferings are terrible enough to be relieved by any medications.

Lowering The Possibility Of Having An Acid Reflux

Reducing Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux is experienced by about 40% of all Americans. This is somehow a common occurrence. This is characterized by a feeling of burning acid going up to your mouth. This is a very uncomfortable sensation that is actually suffered by many. Many people want to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling. Many believe that they will just have to endure this condition when actually there are also ways on how to limit the occurrence of acid reflux symptoms. Some lifestyle changes may be necessary in order to decrease the symptoms presented.

• Adjusting your diet and eating habits could prevent acid reflux. You should eat small frequent meals. This makes it easier for digestive tract to work on it. Chew the food properly and slowly. You should be able to enjoy every bite that you take. You would know that it is time to stop eating when you have are not feeling hungry anymore. Overeating should be avoided at all time. This can result to indigestion and lead to acid reflux. Greasy and spicy foods are among the most common food items to cause reflux. Once you know the personal triggers for this occurrence, make sure to limit your intake of these foods.
• Changing your drink choices also greatly affects the occurrence of acid reflux. Water consumptions should always be in liberation. Drinks such as wine, beer and carbonated beverages increase acid concentration and make them rise, this can lead to increased chances of experiencing reflux. Orange and tomato juice could also cause this discomfort along with other acidic drinks and caffeinated drinks. Alcohol is tolerated as long as it is consumed in moderation. This drink slows down the process of digestion leading to further acid reflux.
• Your body position could also contribute to reflux. Always make sure that your head is elevated to decrease this occurrence. After eating a meal, always remember to remain upright. Lying down while watching TV or sleeping directly after a meal should be avoided at all times. The time for digestion usually takes up to 3 hours so you should wait for about that time before sleeping. You could also make sure that your head is elevated by 6 inches to reduce the symptoms. This will makes sure the stomach acid will not go into the throat.
• There are a lot of food and drinks that you could take to lessen or decrease acid reflux. Some examples of these types of food and drinks are: red apples, bananas, pineapple juice, honey and also vinegar mixed in an eight ounce glass of water. You could also use baking soda dissolved in an eight ounce glass in order to decrease acid reflux symptoms.

Prevent Acid Reflux Doing Right Diet Everyday

Diet for Acid Reflux – What and What’s not to Avoid

It is indeed a nuisance to suffer from a Gastroesphageal Regurgitation Disease. This kind of disease can cause heartburn especially when you eat foods that should be avoided. There is definitely certain diet for acid reflux which you need to take note in order to avoid any attacks or worsening of the symptoms.

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First thing to do is prevent eating large meals a day. It is best to eat small but frequently. This will give your stomach all the time it needs to digest the food properly without producing too much acid. This lessens the workload it carries. In your meal plan, always include foods that have high carbohydrate content such as rice, pasta, multi-grain or white bread, bran, crackers, pretzels and many more. These rich in carbohydrate foods bind acid in the stomach and are lighter to work on. It is also necessary to remain in an upright position after eating. During sleep, it is also proper to elevate the head of the bed approximately six to eight inches when assuming a lying position.

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Second thing to remember is to avoid meals that have high fat content. Examples of this are foods that are fried and oily. These should be avoided because foods that are fat containing are hard to digest, therefore the stomach would need more acid to digest them. It is also necessary to limit intake of beverages such as alcohol and sodas. They double up acid secretions in the stomach making you more susceptible to acid reflux disease. And above all do not eat too much, because this will trigger your stomach to secrete more acid to compensate on the digestion process.

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Among the many foods and beverages to avoid and should only be consumed, there are also some beliefs that are wrong or proven null by research. One of these is the thought that a glass of milk before sleep can actually lessen GERD symptoms. The truth is milk can cause a rebound effect that can encourage secretion of more acid, therefore causing acid reflux. The key is to eat less during dinner and take a small snack like biscuits before retiring at night.

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Another belief that had been practiced for years is that, spicy, citrus and caffeine containing beverages should be avoided in order to decrease acid reflux symptoms. According to the research made by Internal Medicine doctors of Stanford University, there are only two means of reducing symptoms, and these are elevating head of bed while asleep and eating small and frequent meal.

If you are suffering from this chronic condition, you have to update on your special diet for acid reflux list. Despite the fact that there are common foods, you also need to take note of the foods and beverages that can aggravate the symptoms. It is good to have a food diary in order to keep track of the dos and don’ts. It will develop discipline and assurance that acid is produced in minimum at your stomach.

Common Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

Common Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

One of the most common acid reflux disease symptoms is heartburn. Relevantly, it is known as having a burning feeling in the stomach which radiates in the throat and chest area. Most of the time it occurs to people diagnosed with GERD when: they had heavy meal, lie down flat on their back, lift heavy objects, or bend over. Patients are most likely to suffer this symptom at night than in other time, it was also causing them greater pain when the attacks happen at night than in day time.

Although heartburn is the most common symptom, it is not the most dangerous since it doesn’t create any major damage to the esophagus lining. Aside from this, there are also other common symptoms such as dyspepsia and regurgitation.

Dyspepsia - is a syndrome where there is a feeling of fullness in the stomach, upper quadrant pain, and nausea right after meal. It is possible though that people may suffer from dyspepsia even when they do not have GERD.

Regurgitation is a symptom of GERD which is characterized by a sensation of acid in the throat. There is a possibility of “wet burp” which is an occurrence when acid regurgitate as far as the mouth. It is on rare occasion though that sufferer vomit the acid.

Other than heartburn, dyspepsia and regurgitation, there are other less common symptoms that can be present in acid reflux disease and these are: chest pains and some throat conditions.
Chest pain is a feeling of having a food trapped on the breastbone. This is how a GERD chest pain feels like which is different from an angina or heart attack.

Throat conditions vary but are symptoms that are less likely to be experienced in GERD cases. Acid laryngitis is a condition which has presentation of hoarseness, a feeling of lump area in the throat, and dry cough. Dysphagia on the other hand means trouble in swallowing. This can cause spasm that causes the esophagus to narrow. Chronic sore throat and constant hiccups can also be considered as symptoms of GERD.

Some respiratory symptom such as coughing and wheezing can actually be caused by GERD. A study had shown that GERD can actually cause chronic cough in severe cases. Persistent nausea and vomiting can be attributed as a symptom of GERD.

Acid reflux disease symptoms vary from one case to another. Some may not suffer any common symptoms but would have evidence of some less common symptoms. It is very important to visit a specialist if there are constant occurrences of symptoms. This is to prevent worsening the situation, and give proper medication and diet and lifestyle modification to avoid recurrence of symptoms. It is easier to deal with GERD in its early stage.

Pregnant Women Suffering From Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid Reflux Symptom in Pregnant Women

Women are prone to suffer from acid reflux disease because of its exposure to stress and the practice of unhealthy lifestyle. These factors can contribute to the regurgitation of acid from the stomach to the esophagus thus causing acid reflux symptom.

Normally, the esophagus has a sphincter in the lower area which is in a form of a valve that connects the organ to the stomach. The valve have ample pressure to keep the acid away from reflux, but once it malfunction, acid can regurgitate to the esophagus at any time and can cause big trouble once left undiagnosed and untreated.

The stomach is lined with mucus which serves as protection from acid, but unluckily the esophagus does not have this lining, making it susceptible to damage once acid is constantly present in the area. It can really cause severe pain and discomfort.

Men and women are both susceptible to the disease; however women become more prone once they get pregnant because of the pressure exerted by the fetus to the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows acid to leak to the esophagus and causes some degree of damage. There is also increase in certain hormones which contributes to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Most common symptoms would include:

• First is heartburn. Once the acid gets into the esophagus, there is a feeling of burning somewhere in the chest. This is the most common symptom of acid reflux. There is a wide possibility that the burning sensation will radiate to the stomach and throat.
• Second is the sour taste in the mouth and nausea. These symptoms occur in worst cases of the disease. This is the time when the reflux reaches the throat and mouth giving out sour taste. Nausea is felt by women who do not experience heartburn.
• Third is cough and sore throat. In acid reflux disease where the acid reaches the throat and mouth, undigested food can actually come along. This can cause a scratchy throat and persistent cough.
• Last is difficulty in swallowing. This is one of the most alarming stages of Gastroesophageal Regurgitation Disease; it is when presence of acid causes the narrowing of esophagus. This can cause anorexia and may lead to malnutrition and other severe symptoms.

Acid reflux symptom is common to women who are bearing a child, but it disappears after child birth. For other people who are suffering from this condition regularly, they must be keen enough to visit their physician and seek for medical advice. Most often, the diet plan is modified to avoid recurrence of symptoms. There are also over-the-counter medications that can aid in fast relief of symptoms while there are also strong ones that effectively blocks acid production for a long time. A certain treatment will depend on your condition.

Acid Reflux - What You Need To Know

Getting to know Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is a problem that arises when the liquid in the stomach goes back or refluxes to the esophagus. This condition is also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These liquid which is composed of acid, pepsin, and bile are produced by the stomach to aid in digestion but can cause damage when it goes back to the esophagus.

Pepsin is responsible of digesting protein in the stomach while bile is from the duodenum part of small intestine which is vital for fat absorption. Among the three components, acid has the biggest role of damaging the esophagus lining and eventually cause inflammation.

According to the study conducted by experts, any human being have a tendency to experience reflux of liquid from the stomach, the only difference is that, people suffering from GERD have more acid in the liquid and tend to reflux higher compared to normal beings. Once you are suffering from this chronic disease, the treatment should be taken consistently because the problem seems to recur when you stop the designed treatment, though there are some who believes that the solution to this disease is by treating it symptomatically. This means that you will only have to take medication or follow prescribed diet once any symptom occur.

Like in any untoward situation, the body always compensates to keep the normal function intact. With Gastroesophageal reflux disease, most cases happen in day time when the position assumed is upright. Because of this, the gravity allows the refluxed liquid to go back to the stomach. Swallowing and the saliva produced by the salivary gland in the mouth plays an important role in neutralizing acid. Every time you swallow, saliva becomes equipped with bicarbonate which travels through the esophagus and causes neutralization of acid. This leaves the esophagus with less acid at the end of the day.

On the other hand, attacks of GERD happen most of the time at night, when the person is no longer on upright position thus impeding the gravity to work. Another fact is that, the production of saliva is lower, which means there is no enough bicarbonate to neutralize the acid and swallowing is not happening as well. This means more acid is stuck in the esophagus which can create chronic damage in it.

There are many causes of Acid Reflux Disease and sometimes it is only secondary to the existing problem or changes in the body. Take for example during pregnancy, there are certain hormones that can lower the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter thus causing regurgitation, the presence of the fetus is also putting more pressure, therefore can cause reflux of liquid to the esophagus as well. Another disease is scleroderma; this is one condition of the connective tissues which causes weakening of the esophageal muscles thus aggravate GERD to develop.