Acid reflux disease--also commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)--is a medical condition caused by stomach acid that abnormally travels backwards up into the esophagus. Speak with your doctor for further evaluation and care if you believe that you have this condition.
Acid Reflux Disease Affects One-Third of People in the United States
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) reports that health professionals at the American Gastroenterological Association estimate that 33 percent of people in the United States have acid reflux disease. The prevalence of this condition makes acid reflux disease the most expensive chronic gastrointestinal disorder in the U.S., with cumulative costs approaching $10 billion each year.
Acid Reflux Disease is Caused by an Abnormal Esophagus
The flow of ingested food and fluid between your esophagus and stomach is regulated by a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. In healthy people, this valve helps prevent stomach acid or digested food from flowing back up into the esophagus. In patients with acid reflux disease, this valve does not close properly due to weak muscle contraction. This abnormal valve function allows acid from the stomach to escape and rise into the esophagus, causing the symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.
Acid Reflux Disease is Not Just Heartburn
Heartburn is a common condition that causes sensations of burning or pain to occur in the esophagus. Patients with acid reflux disease are often misdiagnosed with mild or occasional heartburn, explain health professionals at the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. Acid reflux disease differs from heartburn in that disease symptoms persist for two or more days each week, even after a patient has altered his lifestyle and diet. Though heartburn is one symptom of acid reflux disease, it is not the only symptom. Additional symptoms of acid reflux disease include persistent cough, abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, sour taste in the mouth or regurgitation.
Certain Foods Can Trigger Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of acid reflux disease can be triggered by certain types of food--especially spicy or acidic foods. If you experience frequent acid reflux disease symptoms, consider abstaining from foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, onions, chocolate, peppermint or fried, fatty foods. Carbonated drinks, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages can also instigate symptoms in certain people with this condition.
Smoking Cigarettes Increases Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease
If you smoke cigarettes, you may experience an increase in your acid reflux disease symptoms. The smoke that you inhale from a cigarette relaxes the esophageal valve that separates your esophagus and stomach. If you have acid reflux disease, this valve functions abnormally--a condition that is exacerbated by cigarette smoke.
Obesity and Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Acid Reflux Disease
Excess weight around the abdomen due to obesity or pregnancy causes increased pressure on your stomach, which can elevate your risk of developing acid reflux disease.
Acid Reflux Disease Doesn't Just Affect Adults
The American Academy of Otolaryngology reports that acid reflux disease isn't just a problem for adults. Infants and children can also develop this condition--though most typically outgrow the disease during early childhood. Symptoms of acid reflux disease in children and infants include recurrent vomiting, coughing or respiratory problems.
There is No Cure for Acid Reflux Disease
Though there is no cure for acid reflux disease, your symptoms can be managed through the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications that help neutralize or regulate acid produced by the stomach. Severe cases of acid reflux disease may also require surgery to repair the damaged tissue within the esophagus.
One-Third of Acid Reflux Disease Patients Develop Erosive Esophagitis
If left untreated, acid reflux disease can cause erosive esophagitis--a medical condition characterized by severe damage to the tissue lining the esophagus. Approximately one-third of patients with acid reflux disease may go on to develop erosive esophagitis, report health professionals at the Nexium product site, an acid reflux disease drug website.
Alternative Therapies May Alleviate Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms
Though alternative therapies for acid reflux disease have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you may find that the use of herbal remedies, relaxation techniques or acupuncture alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.
