Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease

What is Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease?

by Train Crossroad on 27/02/10 at 4:19 pm

What is Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease? – Heartburn, is also known as acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which is an aching and burning sensation in the esophagus, just behind the breastbone often related with regurgitation of gastric acid (gastric acid reflux).

The pain cause by acid reflux often rises in the chest and may spread out to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is a major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as GERD. Acid reflux disease is also identified as one of the causes of persistent cough, and may even imitate asthma. Despite its name of heartburn, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is so called because of a burning sensation caused by acid reflux near to where the heart can be found.

The pain caused by acid reflux is because of the presence of acid in the esophagus. Acid is secreted in the stomach to help in the digestion of food and is not intended to be present in the esophagus.

The acid that is present in the esophagus corrodes the lining of the esophagus which causes pain. Acid reflux does not take place because there is too much acid produced by the stomach, but due to the muscular barrier or valve between the esophagus and the stomach opens prematurely allowing acid, bile and other stomach contents into the esophagus. The muscular barrier or also known as Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is the sphincter which prevents acid reflux and thus preventing experience of pain. However, when someone has a heartburn or acid reflux disease, the LES tends to remain open or has a decreased closing time which allows acid reflux.

There are many ways on how to prevent acid reflux or heartburn. Consult your doctor immediately when you feel that you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux all the time. It is better to identify early if you really are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux.

Experiencing heartburn and acid reflux? Stop acid reflux now by grabbing a copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s “STOP ACID REFLUX NOW“  and put a stop on your acid reflux. It is more affordable than going for your doctor.

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