Acid Reflux Questions And Answers

Acid reflux is a disease that afflicts many people each and every day. They live with the discomfort and constant round of medications. That burning, heavy sensation in the throat and chest can make anyone feel less than their best. Many people are unclear as to why acid reflux is afflicting them or even if they have acid reflux. Many patients suffer for years with acid reflux, thinking they only have indigestion or heart burn. In this article we will discuss some of the more common questions dealing with acid reflux.

What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux?

Heartburn and acid reflux is essentially the same thing. The difference is in how often the attack occurs. Both are the result of liquid from the stomach forcing its way up into the esophagus. Heartburn is usually treated with over the counter medications due to its infrequency. People generally know what foods seem to set their attack off. Acid reflux requires a doctor's care because it can cause lasting damage to the esophagus and can be a symptom of a bigger problem.

Can anyone, regardless of age, have acid reflux?

Acid reflux is not picky about the age, ethnicity or religious viewpoint. It can strike anyone at any age. There are factors that can increase your likelihood of developing acid reflux. It is important that if you are suffering from repeat attacks of heartburn or indigestion to seek out the advice of your physician.

How is it treated in adults?

The first step in treatment is sleeping position. Gravity can be your friend or your foe. By sleeping at an incline, the acid can flow back down the esophageal tube. The next step is to change the size of your meal. The larger your stomach distends to make room for food, the less room there is for the digestive fluids. Eat smaller portions and this will help alleviate the symptoms. Also look at your diet. Some foods are known to promote reflux. You should avoid ingesting peppermint, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine.

If you have followed these recommendations and are still having acid reflux then the doctor may have you take medicine specifically designed for treating acid reflux. One thing you should remember is this: there is no cure for acid reflux and you will always have to battle flare-ups. In the case of reflux in which nothing seems to be working, the doctor may have to operate.

Does smoking and being overweight affect acid reflux?

Smoking is detrimental to your health. It damages every single system in the body. The irritation from smoke breaks down the delicate tissues of your throat. When the acid pushes its way up it will come in contact with these places thus irritating and eroding the lining further.

Being overweight is similar to smoking in that it affects every system of your body. With acid reflux it is a pressure game. The more pressure put onto the stomach, either internal or external, the less room there is for the acid and bile. Fatty deposits, such as those found in the bulk surrounding the waist, put pressure onto the stomach. Losing weight is a great way to help ease the flare ups of acid reflux.

What are the long term effects of acid reflux if it is not controlled?

Uncontrolled acid reflux can be deadly. It may be hard to fathom heartburn or indigestion actually killing you but it certainly can. Untreated or uncontrolled acid reflux can cause the throat to become narrower, ulcers and even cancer. Acid reflux can also keep the throat irritated and contribute to asthma and coughing. Your respiratory system can suffer as well with the liquid reflux going down into the lungs causing choking, inflammation and infection. Acid reflux is not something that can go ignored for long. If you suffer from acid reflux it is important to stay abreast of treatment methods.