subject: Making Sense Of Acid Reflux And Gerd-heartburn [print this page] Heartburn is the symptom of acid reflux and GERD. However, not everyone with acid reflux has heartburn, and not everyone with heartburn has acid reflux. It has been shown that one in 10 Americans suffer from heartburn symptoms at least once a week. With different triggers, heartburn can occur at any time. If you suffer from heartburn it is important to find effective remedies to prevent your acid reflux from worsening.
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD signs and symptoms. Some signs and symptoms of GERD include:
*Acid reflux
*Heartburn
*Chest pain
*Dry cough
*Difficulty swallowing
*Hoarseness or sore throat
*Sensation of a lump in the throat
When these signs and symptoms occur at least twice a week or interfere with your daily life, doctors refer to this as GERD.
Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, people with GERD only receive temporary relief from these medications. If you have GERD you may need stronger medications, even surgery, to reduce the symptoms.
What is Acid Reflux?
At the entrance to your stomach there is a valve that is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it, but if it does not close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus, which can cause symptoms such as a burning chest pain called heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have acid reflux disease, which is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some common risk factors for acid reflux disease include:
*Eating large meals
*Lying down immediately after a meal
*Being overweight or obese
*Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back
*Snacking close to bedtime
*Eating certain foods
*Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol
*Smoking
*Being pregnant
*Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications
Understanding Heartburn
A symptom of acid reflux and GERD, heartburn can be caused by other unusual things such as intestinal motility problems. Cardiac problems can also mirror heartburn, making it important to not confuse the two. Many people have different acid reflux-related heartburn triggers, but most have similar symptoms, including:
*A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours.
*Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating.
*Burning in the throat, or a hot, sour, or acidic tasting fluid at the back of the throat.
*Difficulty swallowing
*Feeling of food "sticking" in the middle of the chest or throat
*Heartburn may cause chronic cough, sore throat, or chronic hoarseness
When to Visit Your Gastroenterologist in Philadelphia
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, especially when accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Make an appointment with your gastroenterologist if you experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms. If you take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice per week, visit your gastroenterologist immediately.
For more information on GERD, acid reflux and heartburn, talk to your Philadelphia gastroenterologist.
