Many of us have at one time or another experienced heartburn, that uncomfortable, gassy, or burning sensation . While heartburn can be mild for a great many of us, for others it is extremely painful. Heartburn is the generic term for gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, “reflux” and acid reflux.

Acid reflux is also know by the medical term gastroesophageal reflux. It is considered as, a disorder where the acidic juices of the stomach flows back (reflux) into the esophagus.  The esophagus, which is the tube that passes food from the throat to the stomach, has a very thin lining to it. This lining does not have the protective strength of the stomach intestines.The stomach walls are made to with stand the acids that are produced for digesting foods, they under normal conditions remain in this area and they are required for proper digestion.

Thus when stomach acid reflux into the esophagus it makes the lower section of the esophagus painful and irritated. This painful inflammation is called reflux esophagitis.

The esophagus is usually sealed from the stomach by a valve known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, also called LES. This valve only opens when food passes into the stomach from the esophagus. There are a few conditions that make this valve work incorrectly and lead to acid reflux. These factors range from eating large meals, drinking caffeine based drinks, eating acid causing foods to taking drugs like morphine, meperidine, nitrate heart medications and adrenergic drugs. The LES also becomes relaxes when foods like peppermint and chocolate are eaten.

The symptoms of acid reflux are varied. They range from your typical heartburn to cramping, excess salivation, shortness of breath, difficult or painful swallowing, fluid or vomit being inhaled into the lungs and other conditions. While acid reflux is painful, frequently occurring gastroesophageal reflux can lead to more serious conditions known as reflux esophagitis, esophageal narrowing and esophageal ulcer. The most serious acid reflux condition is Barrett’s syndrome. With Barrett’s syndrome a change in the lining of the esophagus leads to esophageal cancer.

Acid reflux can occur in anyone. The main sufferers of acid reflux are those who are obese, experience repeated vomiting, have nasogastric tubes, and have a history of hiatal hernia or scleroderma. Women who are pregnant  may also experience acid reflux

Living with cronic heart burn can be very difficult, you may find the book Living with Chronic Heartbern the Complete Guide to Acid Reflux & Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD),by Dr. Paulo Pacheco and Marilyn Olsen helpful. In this book the authors explain in understandable terms the latest medical information, medications,life style changes as well as both the  surgical and non-surgical treatment options. They also  include the recently FDA approved Enteryx therapy. Cronic heartburn, GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease,  “reflux” and acid reflux can be very painful,a date to see your physician for a diagnoses and a possible referral to a Gastroenterologist may be in order.

A physician will diagnosed and treat your  acid reflux disorder, in mild cases he or she may recommend a antacid medication available over the counter or give a physician. Your physician may decide that the best way for you to get relief from your symptoms is with a Esophagoscopy Examination. A Gastroenterologist will perform  the Esophagoscopy Examination by first taking x-rays of the patient. This done after the patient  drinks a barium solution and lies down so that their head is lower than  their feet. Then a flexible viewing tube is inserted into the patient’s esophagus for a close look at the condition of the esophagus and the stomach valve known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, also called LES.