Most people experience heartburn, or reflux, at one time or another. However, when the occasional burning turns into an every day event, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Learning the symptoms, treatments and complications of reflux disease may prevent a more serious condition that may lead to cancer.

What is Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that is caused by hydrochloric acid, produced by the stomach, backing up from the stomach into the esophagus on a regular basis. Unlike the more common condition known as reflux, GERD results from stomach acid and/or food regurgitating up the esophagus every time we eat — not just on occasion.

What Causes Reflux Disease?
When we eat food or swallow liquid, the substances flow down the esophagus and into the stomach. The stomach makes hydrochloric acid to digest our food. Food and liquid are kept contained in the stomach by a ring-shaped muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES does not function properly and stomach acid persistently backflows into the esophagus, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Reflux Disease Symptoms
The most common symptom of reflux disease is heartburn. However, some GERD sufferers do not have heartburn. A heavy pain is sometimes felt in the center of the chest and often confused with a heart attack. This pain can be felt a few minutes after eating. Other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease may include nausea, coughing, asthma symptoms, and hoarseness. Excessive saliva, a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing are other symptoms of reflux disease.

Things to Avoid
Certain foods can make gastroesophageal reflux disease worse. Citrus fruits, tomato products, and spicy or fatty foods are high on the list of delicacies to avoid. Unfortunately, chocolate, coffee and alcohol may aggravate reflux disease. Avoiding large meals and eating smaller ones more often can help relieve symptoms. Do not lie down after eating. Smoking can also increase symptoms of GERD.

Reflux Disease Treatments
Some over-the counter (OTC) medicines may temporarily relieve the aggravating symptoms of reflux disease. These include Pepto-Bismol, Maalox or Tums. More often, people who suffer from this ailment must take prescription drugs for effective relief. Prilosec, once only available through prescription, is now available as an OTC drug. Other prescription drugs for treating reflux disease include Nexium, Prevacid and Aciphex.

Reflux Disease Complications
If left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious conditions. Without treatment, the constant reflux of stomach acid splashed onto the esophagus turns normal cells into tougher, acid-resistant cells. This condition is called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can lead to a type of cancer called adenocarcinoma. To prevent serious complications of reflux disease, prescription medicines must be taken, or, in severe cases, surgery may need to be performed.

If left untreated, reflux disease can have serious complications. If OTC medicines are used for more than three weeks and symptoms persist, you may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Consult your doctor immediately. A physician will provide the necessary treatment to prevent permanent damage to the esophagus.

Related Posts

• Heartburn
• Common Causes of Reflux
• Gastric Reflux Symptoms
• Gastroesophageal Reflux
• How To Distinguish Symptoms Of Gerd
• Acid Reflux and It’s Causes
• Heartburn: Causes and Cures

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