What is acid reflux disease?
Acid reflux disease, also known as
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs due
to the coexistence of two physiological conditions.
The first condition is a retrograde flow of stomach
contents into the oesophagus. However, the reflux itself
does not necessarily lead to gastro-oesophageal
reflux disease symptoms or histological changes,
and can occur among healthy individuals also. In this
case, the process is referred to as "physiologic
gastro-oesophageal
reflux".
The second condition is lower oesophageal
sphincter (LES) malfunction. The LES is a 3-cm to 4-cm
ring of muscle, which acts as a valve between the
stomach and the oesophagus. In case of acid
reflux disease, the LES does not close properly and
stomach acid splashes up to the oesophagus. When
pathologic symptoms follow this process, the whole
condition is called acid reflux
disease.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is usually
experienced as a persistent (at least twice a week)
heartburn - the distressing burning sensation in the
chest or throat, caused by refluxed stomach contents
touching the lining of the oesophagus. Since healthy individuals may also
experience light reflux - occasional heartburn may occur
normally, and doesn't necessarily serve as an evidence
of GERD.
Some GERD sufferers may also experience pain
in the chest, cough, morning hoarseness, voice changes,
difficulty in swallowing (especially lumpy foods),
chronic earache, burning chest pains, sinusitis or
nausea. Many patients report a sensation that
reminds them of food being stuck, tightness or choking
of throat, and even sore
throat . This happens due to continuous flow of
stomach contents and acid that comes in contact with the
oesophagus and causes inflammation of the oesophagus,
resulting in scars from tissue
damage.
Untreated acid reflux
disease can lead to serious health
complications. Those include stricture formation,
bleeding, ulcers and oesophageal spasms. When the
stomach acid reaches the upper oesophagus and trachea,
the process can result in a variety of severe
conditions, such as asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia.
Finally, some people may develop Barrett's oesophagus, a
condition that manifests itself through abnormality in
shape and colouration of cells along the oesophageal
lining. This condition is a precursor to oesophageal
cancer, especially in adults who are 60 or more years
old.
Treatment of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux
Disease
The treatment
of gastro-oesophageal reflux
disease takes three forms: medical therapy, surgery,
and the all-natural holistic therapy, including dietary
and lifestyle changes and the intake of specific herbal
supplements. Undergoing a surgery should be considered
very carefully, since it can compound some of the
underlying conditions, such as stricture and motility
disorders. Medical treatment of GERD includes H2
blockers and PPIs. While acid reflux can be treated by
taking prescription medication or acid blockers such as
the above, bear in mind that the results may be
temporary and that some conventional medication can
have considerable
side-effects.
From the holistic point of
view, acid reflux disease is considered
to be the warning sign of some major internal imbalances
that need to be addressed properly. Holistic treatment
is perfectly safe as it comes with no side-effects and
it also works naturally in harmony with your physical
system and ensures a long-lasting
relief.