subject: Prevention And Treatment Of Heartburn Acid Reflux [print this page] Heartburn, which is highly associated to acid reflux disease, is the most common digestive system disorder that people experience. Many people experience heartburn mostly during night time. When this happens, the person feels a burning sensation in the chest, similar to the pain associated with heart attack symptoms. Heartburn acid reflux is a very serious disease that can affect many people including infants and young children as well as adults. Infants usually outgrow the condition while most young children will likely experience the disease in their lifetime. Many adults are likely to develop the disease because of lifestyle factors and eating habits.
For those who are diagnosed with the disease, it is important to understand what causes heartburn. To prevent heartburn associated with acid reflux, it may be necessary to change eating habits and lifestyle factors. Unhealthy eating or eating excessively in one meal can cause improper movement of the gastric juices in the lower portion of the esophagus. This causes heartburn to occur which can eventually lead to acid reflux disease.
When gastric juices, which is highly acidic, comes in contact with the lining of the esophagus, it irritates and inflames the esophagus causing heartburn. The abnormal flow of gastric juice occurs when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which is located between the esophagus and the abdomen, fails to function properly. This abnormal flow of gastric juice may also be caused by structural defects or disorders like hiatal hernia or lifestyle factors.
You should immediately seek treatment for heartburn especially when you suffer night time attacks. The symptoms for night time attacks are similar to day time attacks except that the night time attacks include snoring, restlessness, fatigue and even abnormal breathing. Night time attacks are also more severe than attacks during the daytime.
Many people who have heartburn or acid reflux know what is responsible for their condition. However, there are still many people who have no knowledge of what can cause heartburn acid reflux. Food is one factor that is responsible. Many people experience the disorder after having a large meal. This attack is triggered by improper breakdown of the food. Also, foods such as spicy foods, chocolates, and fried and fatty foods can trigger this condition. In fact, even citrus fruits can cause heartburn to occur.
Once you have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease, you should try to cure the disease by using preventive medication and treatments. Making lifestyle changes is one way to help reduce or even eliminate the attacks. You should also avoid eating a large meal all at once. It is better to eat small meals at intervals. Eating large meals can increase pressure in the esophageal sphincter and also expand the stomach. Other preventive measures include maintaining your body weight, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and not wearing tight fitting clothes around the waist. All these factors can cause acid reflux disease.
If left untreated, this disease can lead to severe problems. Once you are diagnosed with this disorder, you should always immediately begin treatment in order to prevent the disease from creating further serious problems that could affect even the respiratory system. Because acid reflux disease is a serious problem, people with heartburn acid reflux should seek advice on how to prevent and treat this particular condition.
