What is Acid Reflux (GERD)?
GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when the opening between the stomach and esophagus relaxes or loosens when it should not. This opening is what normally permits food to travel to your stomach via the esophagus. The sphincter, a muscular valve in the stomach usually retains food and stomach acid inside of the stomach.
This opening, the sphincter, causes the contents of the stomach to flow into the esophagus when it loosens. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus has no protective lining against acids. The burning that occurs from this is referred to as heartburn. Anyone can have heartburn from time to time, but when it repeats itself on a normal basis, the person may be suffering from acid reflux.
Top 3 Ways to Diagnose Acid Reflux
- Heartburn
- Endoscopy/Biopsy
- Exam/Tests
Heartburn is the most common among acid reflux symptoms. We explained above how you come to experience this symptom. Remember, heartburn can be normal after eating a spicy meal, and should only become a concern if it is a repeat occurrence after ingesting anything.
An Endoscopy is a fairly accurate test that determines whether or not you may have acid reflux disease. In this process, a tube is swallowed with a tiny camera attached. This allows doctors to actually see what is going on inside your body. This method will only work is damage to the esophagus is present.
It is rare for acid reflux suffers to have a truly damaged esophagus so this may not work for many patients. However, if an ulcer is the cause of the pain, it will be spotted and then you may begin a treatment. Biopsies are used when acid reflux symptoms are present, but the doctor thinks that isn’t the cause. A biopsy is normally used to detect cancer.
Exams of the larynx and throat are the first thing most physicians turn to. If any inflammation is present, it can indicate a problem with acid reflux. Probably the most effective tool in determining the cause of your ailment is Esophageal Acid Testing. This test, while the most accurate is also the most obtrusive. This test incorporates a tube which is place in the nose down into the esophagus where it stays placed for roughly twenty four hours. The tube has sensor which measures the acid amount in the esophagus. This method is the most accurate way to find out if you have acid reflux.
Risk Factors for Acid Reflux
If you have identified with any of the symptoms and eat spicy foods, chocolate, drink too much caffeine AND have a problem with your weight, you may have acid reflux disease. Acid reflux that is long standing can lead to more serious health problems. A rare and deadly type of cancer can occur, so it is vital to act once you have been diagnosed.
If the dangerous effects of prescription drugs are not something you feel good about, there are several natural alternative products available to help with Acid Reflux. These products normalize the body naturally, so further damage to your esophagus does not occur. No matter what your choice, do not look at acid reflux as unimportant, be sure to treat your body so it returns to the healthiest state possible!
