Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Causes and Symptoms

GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and is a condition that involves stomach acid traveling back up and into the esophagus (the tube which carries food between the mouth and the stomach). This is a serious condition because over time, the acid may damage and lead to scarring of the esophagus. One of the most common symptoms of GERD is heartburn.

When gastric acids (Hydrochloric acid) reflux, the result is great pain and a burning sensation in the chest. This is usually felt behind the breastbone, but may also be felt in the chest upon moving. It is usually experienced within minutes after eating and the symptoms may last for a few minutes or continue for several hours. When the acid travels through the throat, it causes pain and burning due to the sensitive lining that covers the esophagus. Symptoms may include a burning feeling in the throat as well as tasting an acidic fluid. You may also experience difficulty swallowing, or feel as if you have a piece of food caught in your throat or chest.

Heartburn may often be confused with a heart attack and many people will seek emergency room treatment when they first experience a severe heartburn attack. Some of the symptoms experienced with heartburn mimic those of a heart attack and medical testing is needed to determine the cause of the pain. Therefore, if you experience any pain that lasts for several minutes or includes symptoms associated with a heart attack, you should seek medical attention.

Generally, heartburn is mild and is an occasional occurrence. However, there are times when heartburn becomes a chronic condition and its symptoms become more persistent and sever. This is referred to as chronic Acid Reflux.

Treating chronic Acid Reflux is vital to ensuring your health and well being. Because there are serious health consequences if you leave acid reflux or any other gastric disturbance unchecked, it is important to see your physician or health care provider immediately. Some of the current treatments for acid reflux include the use of medication, surgery, and making dietary and nutritional changes.

Changing the foods you eat, exercising, and eliminating alcohol and nicotine use can greatly improve heartburn and acid reflux. First, it is important to realize that by eating smaller meals and eating them earlier in the evening can greatly reduce the amount of acid reflux and heartburn that you experience. Since acid reflux and heartburn are more prevalent when lying down, it is common for these symptoms to occur at night when retiring. By eating smaller meals earlier, you can prevent many of the symptoms from occurring. There are also certain foods that are known for triggering heartburn and acid reflux. It is recommended to avoid these foods as well.

Some of the foods to avoid include:

· Soda or Carbonated Beverages
· Alcohol
· Chocolate
· Greasy and Fatty Foods

It is also recommended to stop smoking, as smoking can increase the chance of developing GERD. Antacids are commonly taken to treat heartburn and acid reflux. As a general rule, if you find that you are taking antacids for at least two weeks, then it is time to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.