Acid reflux is also known as GERD. This stands for Gastro Esophageal Reflux
Disease. Reflux means to regurgitate, or bring back up. Therefore, GERD or Acid
Reflux is the condition where stomach acids regurgitate or come back up into
the esophagus. Acid Reflux tends to be a chronic condition, meaning that once a
patient develops it, it is life long. Acid Reflux is serious. Over a period of
time, the acid that continually assaults the lining of the esophagus can
produce long-term damage.
Acid Reflux: Cause?
Today, health practitioners are pointing their fingers at obesity as the
major cause of Acid Reflux. If you are suffering from Acid Reflux, you may need
to take a look at your lifestyle, dietary habits, and record which foods may
trigger Acid Reflux, and then decide to make some life altering changes. There
are other conditions as well that contribute to Acid Reflux, these include
Hiatal Hernias, pregnancy, smoking, and a weak lower esophageal sphincter.
Acid Reflux and Your Health Care Practitioner
If you are suffering from Acid Reflux, don’t neglect to visit your health
practitioner and discuss your symptoms and concerns. You health care
practitioner is the best source to diagnose the cause of your Acid Reflux, and
offer you the best-prescribed treatment to help manage the discomfort. In some
cases surgery is recommended to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. Do
not hesitate to ask your health care practitioner any questions you have. This
is your health, and you need to make the most well informed decision possible
when deciding upon your course of treatment.