A complete understanding of Acid Reflux Syndrome

Acid reflux syndrome, or GERD, is a disease in which the stomach contents, primarily an acidic mixture of acid and food, escape the stomach and enter the lower esophagus. The esophagus is ill-equipped to handle the acid mixture, and is thus burned by the acid. It is this burning due to the reflux that causes heartburn, the most common symptom of acid reflux syndrome, as well as any other possible complications.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Syndrome

There are many painful or discomforting symptoms of acid reflux syndrome. As previously mentioned, heartburn is the most common main symptom of the disease, and the pain may spread to the jaw, neck, arms and back. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, cramping, sore throat, hoarseness, chest pain, spitting up at night, excessive salivation, coughing, foul breath, shortness of breath and vomiting. Due to the effect of gravity and the reflux, symptoms may become more severe when lying down. It can become embarrassingly painful when stomach contents are regurgitated into the mouth, leaving a bitter taste. When acid reflux syndrome is left untreated for an extended period of time, more serious complications can occur. These complications include reflux esophagitis, narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcer(s) and Barrett's Esophagus. Barrett's Esophagus is a condition where due to the repeated acid exposure, the cells in the lining of the esophagus change and can lead to esophageal cancer.

Causes of Acid Reflux Syndrome

There are several causes of acid reflux syndrome, and most are due to the effect of the lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter is a strong rim of muscle located between the stomach and the lower esophagus. It is responsible for pushing food from the esophagus into the stomach, as well as keeping the stomach contents in the stomach itself. When certain factors or triggers cause the sphincter to malfunction, stomach contents escape, and enter the esophagus. Such factors or triggers include large meals and lying down within two hours of eating. Foods that aggravate symptoms include chocolate, greasy and fatty foods and peppermint, among others. Caffeine, alcoholic beverages and nicotine also tend to have an effect on the lower esophageal sphincter. Certain medications also often cause the sphincter to malfunction, such as diazepam, meperidine, morphine, prostaglandins, calcium channel blockers, nitrate heart medications, among others.

Victims of Acid Reflux Syndrome

The victims of acid reflux syndrome include infants and the elderly, males and females. Anyone, regardless of age or sex, can develop acid reflux syndrome. However, there are a few attributing factors. Such factors include those individuals who are overweight or obese, recurring vomiting, those with a hiatal hernia, scleroderma (a hardening of the skin and connective tissue), and expectant mothers.

Diagnosis

There are several diagnostic tests that are available to diagnose and determine an individual's acid reflux syndrome. One such test includes consumption of a barium solution, followed by an x-ray. Esophagoscopy is a diagnostic test in which a flexible viewing tube is inserted into the mouth to the esophagus, during which a biopsy may be conducted to test for Barrett's Esophagus. Other such tests include an esophageal manometry to measure pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, and the Bernstein test to measure the acidity contained within the esophagus.

One might cringe after reading the details of these diagnostic tests. However, a short period of discomfort cannot compare to the possible lifelong pain associated with acid reflux syndrome. Completion of these tests may allow for appropriate treatment, and continuous relief from painful acid reflux symptoms.

Treatment of Acid Reflux Syndrome

Treatments of acid reflux syndrome vary from individual to individual. Mild cases of acid reflux may only warrant the occasional use of an antacid. For those with moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, there are numerous treatments available. Among those treatments is the avoidance of any "trigger" foods, and compensating with "safe," healthy foods. Raising one's head and shoulders at night may assist gravity to keep the acid down in the stomach where it belongs. Lifestyle changes, while perhaps intimidating, can significantly reduce symptoms.

Medications for acid reflux syndrome include histamine receptor blockers, which reduce stomach acids; proton-pump inhibitors, which are very effective in reducing acid production; prokinetic and motility drugs, which make the lower esophageal sphincter close tighter; and omepraxole and lansoprazole, which heal esophageal inflammation. In few severe cases, acid reflux surgery may be recommended.

A physician can recommend what treatment is most beneficial to each individual.

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