Severe Acid Reflux
Reflux is Latin word and it means a back flow. In case of acid reflux the acids from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and causes pain and discomfort that is known as heartburn. Acid reflux is the action while heartburn is the sensation.
The main cause behind the acid reflux is the inappropriate work of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that allows acid to leak the acid in the upward direction to esophagus from the stomach. There are some common causes of acid reflux such as large meals, eating habits, pregnancy, asthma, smoking, hiatus hernia, peptic ulcers, insufficient digestive enzymes and alcohol.
It may cause to severe acid reflux and may lead to serious problems; that is why it is important to manage the acid reflux disease. Severe acid reflux is responsible for leading to esophagitis, which is a tube carrying food from mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the lower esophagus play an important role in preventing the acid coming back into the esophagus from stomach. However this process becomes weaker if the person suffers from acid reflux and the muscles do not stop the flow of acid and causes to pain of the esophagus.
Sometimes it also damages the lining of the esophagus and narrowing and scarring of esophagus occurs. It affects the ability to drink and eat. It may also results in the esophageal bleeding or ulcers and esophagitis. There may be happening of a condition known as Barrett's esophagus that gives same symptoms as that of severe acid reflux. However Barrestt's may also lead to cancer. However, it is possible to treat it and end up the serious problems due to acid reflux.
As we see there are various causes behind the acid reflux, however smoking and alcohol are also responsible for acid reflux. Food habit is one of the reasons behind the acid reflux. There is greater chance of acid reflux in case of filled up stomach. So the food taken in three to four intervals may be highly recommended rather than larger meals once or twice. Consumption before leaving to bed may also causes to nighttime heartburn.
Nicotine is responsible for relaxing muscles that prevents backing of acid into esophagus and dries saliva in mouth and throat that helps to neutralize stomach acid. However, smoking increases risk of developing esophageal cancer.
There are various ways that suggest managing the acid reflux disease. You may be asked to avoid certain foods and beverages that are responsible for increasing stomach acid. The person suffering from severe acid reflux, need to see their doctor or caretaker regularly, need to take recommended prescription and regular report of new symptoms.
