Acid reflux, which is also known as Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disorder, is a condition which has many symptoms that are similar to
heartburn. In many cases, people
suffering from acid reflux typically suffer from heartburn several days per
week. This is also a serious medical
condition because in the long term, because the acid from the stomach can erode
or wear away the delicate lining of the esophagus. This can lead to scarred tissue that causes
swallowing problems and may lead to an increased risk of esophageal
cancer. Unfortunately, there is not one
known specific cause of acid reflux. But
it is known that a malfunction of a band of muscle called the lower esophageal
sphincter can ultimately lead
to many of the problems and symptoms associated with acid reflux and heartburn. It is responsible for the opening and closing
of the lower end of the esophagus when we eat and swallow and it normally keeps
the stomach contents from regurgitating, but due to certain physical conditions
it can weaken and lose its contraction control.
If this happens, the LES fails to close up and cannot maintain the
pressure barrier between stomach and esophagus. As a result, acid and pepsin
from the stomach can flow back up and cause acidity and heartburn in the
esophagus. Because it is the most common but most
troublesome gastric problem known worldwide, several treatments and medications
are made available in the market. The
patient can chose between over the counter medication or acid reflux home
remedies options.
