What is Acid Reflux and what are the contributing factors?

Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, and is also commonly referred to as GERD. This is a condition in which the acidified liquid content of the stomach regurgitates or reflexes back into the esophagus. In some patients, this liquid can inflame and cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin which are both produced in the stomach. Acid reflux is a chronic condition that once it begins, it is usually a life-long battle. Almost all people experience reflux. The difference for patients with GERD or acid reflux is the more frequent presence of acid in the liquid. The acid also remains in the esophagus longer in patients with GERD.

 

The esophagus has very important protective mechanisms to help fight acid reflux. The main things that help aid the esophagus are swallowing, saliva, and gravity. Although, these things only work while the individual is in the upright position. At night while sleeping, gravity no longer comes into play, swallowing has ceased and saliva production has decreased dramatically. Therefore, reflux is more likely to occur during the night. This will result in the acid staying in the esophagus longer which will cause more damage.

 

The symptoms of acid reflux are extremely complex. There are multiple causes, and different causes may be operative in different individuals or even in the same individual at various times. Although the cause can be that a patient simply produces much more acid than other people, this is only the case in very few individuals. The most common symptoms of acid reflux include:

·        Heartburn: When acid refluxes back up into the esophagus, there are certain nerve fibers that are then stimulated. This stimulation typically results in heartburn. Heartburn is generally described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen and may extend up into the neck. Since acid reflux is most common right after meals, so is heartburn pain.

·        Regurgitation: This is when the refluxed liquid appears in the mouth. Usually, only small amounts of acid reflux up into the esophagus and do not reach anything but the lower part of this region. Although, in some patients, an excessive amount can be refluxed back up into the esophagus causing it to reach the upper region, thus causing an acid taste in the mouth.

·        Nausea: While a lot of acid reflux patients will not experience this symptom, this is a symptom for some patients. It can be frequent and severe in these cases. Whenever patients have unexplained nausea and/or vomiting, GERD is one of the first conditions looked in to and expected.

These are not the complete list of symptoms by any means. There are other symptoms that can occur depending on the severity of the condition. You should always consult your doctor with any questions that you have concerning your health.