heartburn earache
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Heartburn, or GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal, as it is known, is caused by the coincidence of two medical conditions. The first condition which contributes to acid reflux disease is the reflux of food and stomach acid into the esophagus. However, the reflux does not always result in symptoms of acid reflux disease or changes in organ tissues, and can occur in healthy individuals, and where known as "physiological reflux.
The second factor encouraging acid reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES is a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, measuring 3-4 cm, some two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. In cases of reflux disease acid stomach contents is pushed into the esophagus because the LES does not close properly. This is called acid reflux disease, when symptoms of the disease, then continue.
The typical sensation of acid reflux disease is persistent (twice weekly or more) heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat when stomach contents are back to the lining of the esophagus. As people with good health can have light reflux, occasional heartburn is common and does not immediately mean acid reflux disease.
Another suffering from reflux disease acid may also feel chest pains or suffer from coughs, hoarseness in the morning, vocal changes, trouble swallowing (food in particular swelling), pain hearing lasting burning pain in chest, nausea or sinusitis. Some sufferers describe sensations of food being stuck, choking or tightness in the throat. This is caused by the continuous flow of stomach contents back into contact with the esophagus, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scars histological damage.
Acid reflux disease left untreated can have serious health consequences. These include constriction, bleeding, ulcers and spasms of the esophagus. When stomach acid reaches the trachea and upper esophagus, several severe illnesses such as asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia can occur. Some patients may develop a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where abnormal shapes and colors of cells occur in the esophageal mucosa. This is an early stage before esophageal cancer, especially in adults over age 60.
There are three options for treating acid reflux disease: surgery, medical treatment and holistic therapy that includes changes in diet and lifestyle and taking specific herbal supplements. Using surgery merits very careful consideration, taking into account that certain underlying conditions can be complicated, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the options for medical intervention in cases of acid reflux disease. While it is possible to apply prescribed medications or acid blockers like these, remember that the results are sometimes only temporary and that conventional medicine can have serious side effects.
GERD, seen from a holistic point of view, is a warning sign of an internal imbalance of consequences that should be treated properly. For this reason, alternative medicine as the herbal medicine, changes in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a comprehensive integrated program are clear recommendation to those who suffer heartburn.
About the Author:
Jeff Martin is an author of the best-selling e-book, “Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life”. To Learn More About His Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Heartburn No More. For further information visit: Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Acid Reflux Disease: The Truth On Why You Have Heartburn
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