Acid Reflux Disease - 4 Steps You Must Take Immediately If You Think You Have it
Step 1: Define it.
What is acid reflux disease? Acid reflux (or GERD -- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a disease characterized by an abnormal reflux or rise of gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus resulting in chronic symptoms and mucosal damage.
It happens when one of the two closures or "sphincters" in the esophagus fail to stay sealed after eating or drinking, so that food or liquid contents leak into the larynx and pharynx instead of remaining in the stomach.
Step 2: Note the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of GERD? Acid reflux is frequently precipitated by temporary or permanent changes in the lining that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
Ineffective functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or temporary LES relaxation connected to hiatal hernia are the usual culprits behind severe acid reflux.
In adults, the most common symptom of acid reflux is an acute sensation of heartburn due to acid spillover in the esophagus.
The painful sensation persists behind the sternum or breastbone.
Another common symptom of GERD is esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagal lining), which can lead to swallowing difficulties and chronic chest pains.
Other symptoms may include rapid coughing, persistent pain in the ears, sinusitis, a sour or salty taste in the back of the throat, and hoarseness or even a complete change in the sound of one's voice.
Still other, though less common, symptoms include chest pain, frequent swallowing, halitosis or bad breath, repeated throat clearing, and water brash (hyper-secretion of saliva).
Step 3: Confirm it.
If you suspect that you are suffering from GERD, it is advisable to visit your doctor for confirmation and medication.
Do not delay, as severe, untreated acid reflux can result in the dangerous formation of strictures or ulcers in your esophagus.
Also, as a result of their undeveloped digestive systems, infants and children can sometimes suffer from acid reflux too.
If you think that this is happening to your child, it is advisable to not try to administer treatment yourself.
Instead, take her or him to a doctor for immediate care and medication.
Step 4: Get treatment.
To relieve the symptoms of acid reflux in adults, try some of these effective, homespun remedies: 1) Instead of drinking straight tea, mix it with aniseed, peppermint, honey and lavender.
For best results, try drinking 8 oz in the morning and 8 oz in the evening.
2) Try having digestive enzymes containing Betain, pepsin or HCl components with each meal.
3) Papaya digestive enzymes, which contain papain, are also recommended for protein digestion.
4) Eat pineapple, as it aids digestion, reduces acidity, and facilitates wound healing.
5) Cinnamon reduces acidity too, so try sprinkling it on your bread.
6) Eat dried, organic grapefruit to curb GERD symptoms.
7) Try eating romaine lettuce to help eliminate acid reflux or severe heartburn conditions.
8) Finally, try taking a daily mixture of nutmeg, mace and slippery elm, as this is another effective way to reduce indigestion, heartburn, GERD, stomach gas, vomiting, and severe heartburn.
Sadly, many sufferers of acid reflux disease ignore the symptoms too long, and painful (and often chronic) consequences ensue.
Do not allow this to happen to you or your loved ones! In order to avoid complications, it is imperative to get effective treatment as soon as possible.
What is acid reflux disease? Acid reflux (or GERD -- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a disease characterized by an abnormal reflux or rise of gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus resulting in chronic symptoms and mucosal damage.
It happens when one of the two closures or "sphincters" in the esophagus fail to stay sealed after eating or drinking, so that food or liquid contents leak into the larynx and pharynx instead of remaining in the stomach.
Step 2: Note the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of GERD? Acid reflux is frequently precipitated by temporary or permanent changes in the lining that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
Ineffective functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or temporary LES relaxation connected to hiatal hernia are the usual culprits behind severe acid reflux.
In adults, the most common symptom of acid reflux is an acute sensation of heartburn due to acid spillover in the esophagus.
The painful sensation persists behind the sternum or breastbone.
Another common symptom of GERD is esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagal lining), which can lead to swallowing difficulties and chronic chest pains.
Other symptoms may include rapid coughing, persistent pain in the ears, sinusitis, a sour or salty taste in the back of the throat, and hoarseness or even a complete change in the sound of one's voice.
Still other, though less common, symptoms include chest pain, frequent swallowing, halitosis or bad breath, repeated throat clearing, and water brash (hyper-secretion of saliva).
Step 3: Confirm it.
If you suspect that you are suffering from GERD, it is advisable to visit your doctor for confirmation and medication.
Do not delay, as severe, untreated acid reflux can result in the dangerous formation of strictures or ulcers in your esophagus.
Also, as a result of their undeveloped digestive systems, infants and children can sometimes suffer from acid reflux too.
If you think that this is happening to your child, it is advisable to not try to administer treatment yourself.
Instead, take her or him to a doctor for immediate care and medication.
Step 4: Get treatment.
To relieve the symptoms of acid reflux in adults, try some of these effective, homespun remedies: 1) Instead of drinking straight tea, mix it with aniseed, peppermint, honey and lavender.
For best results, try drinking 8 oz in the morning and 8 oz in the evening.
2) Try having digestive enzymes containing Betain, pepsin or HCl components with each meal.
3) Papaya digestive enzymes, which contain papain, are also recommended for protein digestion.
4) Eat pineapple, as it aids digestion, reduces acidity, and facilitates wound healing.
5) Cinnamon reduces acidity too, so try sprinkling it on your bread.
6) Eat dried, organic grapefruit to curb GERD symptoms.
7) Try eating romaine lettuce to help eliminate acid reflux or severe heartburn conditions.
8) Finally, try taking a daily mixture of nutmeg, mace and slippery elm, as this is another effective way to reduce indigestion, heartburn, GERD, stomach gas, vomiting, and severe heartburn.
Sadly, many sufferers of acid reflux disease ignore the symptoms too long, and painful (and often chronic) consequences ensue.
Do not allow this to happen to you or your loved ones! In order to avoid complications, it is imperative to get effective treatment as soon as possible.
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