Heartburn is a common topic in today's world. Acid reflux, gastric reflux, GERD, (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are terms that you hear all the time and essentially they all mean the same.
Different terms - the same problem
The term acid reflux describes a chronic disease and hearburn is the most frequent symptom of acid reflux. If you are suffering from frequent heartburn your doctor therefore might diagnose you with acid reflux disease. The terms have different meanings, however, often they are used interchangeably.
Acid Reflux - this term describes where stomach acid back up into the esophagus.
Heartburn - this term describes a burning sensation that is felt behind the breast bone. It occurs when the stomach acids get into contact with the lining in your esophagus.
GERD - this is a chronic disease whereby you suffer from heartburn several times a week. Furthermore, frequent acid reflux starts to damage your esophagus.
Acid Reflux Disease - a serious problem
In the USA nearly one third of the population suffer from the acid relfux disease at least once a month and even 10% of the adult population experience it weekly or daily. However, also children and infants are impacted by this disease.
A lot of research is done on the acid relfux disease, but noone knows exactly what causes this condition. There are several factors that are known to definitely have an impact on acid reflux: lifestyle, eating habits, diet, eating habits and other medical conditions.
GERD manifests itself through several symptoms:
- hearburn is the most common symtom and can for up to 2 hours
- tightness in the throat
- bitter taste in mouth
- respiratory problems
- regurgitation of bitter acid into the mouth
- wheezing and hoarseness
- dry cough that is persistent
See a doctor
A lot of people suffering from these symptoms don't go and see a doctor which is a fatal mistake. You don't have to live with GERD, there are different medications that can help you to cure your acid reflux. If you go to a doctor's office and tell him about your symptoms he will be able to diagnose if you are suffering from GERD or not. Then he will suggest certain changes in your lifestyle and refer you to a gastroenterologist if nothing works for you.
The gastroenterologist will be able to find out more about your condition with the help of an upper GI series which is a special series of x-rays or a GI endoscopy. Then he will be able to give your further advice on how to get rid of your acid reflux poblems.