What Are Signs and
Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
The Signs and Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
Disease
by Ian Smith
Acid Reflux Disease ,
sometimes known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, normally
shortened to GERD happens when the one way valve at the bottom
of the oesophagus that retains food in the stomach, and
prevents it from returning to the
oesophagus stops working
properly.
As the oesophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth
to the stomach, then this one way valve needs to function
properly, or the contents of the stomach, can and will move
back up into the oesophagus and even back as far as the
mouth.
The contents of the stomach are being digested by acid, and the
main symptom of Acid Reflux Disease is a burning chest pain
which starts behind the breastbone, and can then move up into
the neck and throat. It can actually feel as if the food is
coming back into the mouth, and there is a bitter acid rancid
taste.
This is why you often read or hear about 'heartburn cures',
because the sensation is like heartburn, when it is in fact
Acid Reflux Disease.
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Here Are Four Crucial Questions to Ask Your
Doctor about Indigestion
When
visiting the doctor, it is important to ask
certain questions. Writing them down ahead of
time will keep a person from forgetting. When a
person has acid reflux, they will have to do
many things to change their lifestyle so that
they do not keep having acid reflux episodes
which can be very painful and can last up to a
few days. This can leave a person tired,
frustrated, and fearful of when the next attack
may take place. A doctor can point a person in
the right direction and help reassure a person
that even though the acid reflux may occur
again, there are ways to prevent it from
happening too often.
The first
question a person should ask a doctor about
indigestion is what the symptoms are and why
they can be different each time. This will give
a person an idea of what to expect when the
symptoms occur, give them a way to compare
previous symptoms, and also a way for the
person to tell the doctor that they have had
these symptoms before. Knowing what to expect
will help when acid reflux strikes again. Some
symptoms such as a sore throat and lose of
one’s voice could be symptoms of a cold or flu.
But if these symptoms occur a few times or take
longer to disappear, a person will know that
they have acid reflux and will then know how to
treat it with either over the counter or
prescription
medications.
The second
question a person should ask their doctor is
about medications. They need to know which ones
will work. They should also alert the doctor to
any allergies they may have so that the doctor
can prescribe a medication that will not make a
person sick. This is very important when trying
to find a medication that will be affective.
Asking about over the counter medications is
also important. Just because a medication may
work for a friend does not mean it will work
for everyone. Knowing which medications will
work the best will save time and money. A
doctor will be able to tell a person which
medications are good for them and which ones
they should avoid.
Asking a
doctor about food intake is the third question
a person with acid reflux should ask. There are
many foods a person should avoid so that they
do not have to suffer from acid reflux if they
do not have to. Foods that are fried, have lots
of grease, or that contain natural fruit acid
or dairy should be avoided. These foods can
react in a negative way in the stomach and
cause more acid to be expelled. Trying to find
foods that are baked, high in protein, and are
not greasy are they best foods to find. Also,
fish and other foods that have essential oils
are good for calming the
stomach.
The fourth
question a person should ask their doctor is
how long acid reflux will last. Once a person
changes their diet, the acid reflux should
gradually disappear. This is important for
those who are ready to make life
changes.
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Equally obviously many people believe they are victims
of a heart attack when it is Acid Reflux Disease, and sadly for
some, they believe they have Acid reflux, when in fact they are
suffering a heart attack, SO IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT VISIT YOUR
DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.
To set your mind at rest here are some of the most common
symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease.
1. The burning feeling in the chest usually appears after
eating, and can last up to several hours. 2. Lying down, or
bending over makes it worse. 3. There is a burning sensation in
your throat, a sour acidic taste in your mouth. 4. You become
hoarse, and can even lose your voice. 5. You may develop
symptoms of asthma, and begin and continue to cough. 6. You may
find swallowing difficult 7. Normally an antacid tablet will
relieve the symptoms.
Just remember IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT VISIT YOUR DOCTOR OR
HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. It could save your life.
This is the first in a series of articles on Acid Reflux
Disease, and in future articles we will discuss the Causes, and
possible Cures for Acid Reflux.
About the author:
Ian Smith is a dentist and his wife suffered from Acid Reflux
Disease for many years. He contributes to www.acid-reflux-disease-facts.info
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