Millions of people suffer from Acid Reflux disease's most common symptom - frequent heartburn. But did you know that other, seemingly unrelated symptoms may also be signs of acid reflux? The following discusses common symptoms, treatments, and effects of Acid Reflux Disease.

What is Acid Reflux Disease and what causes it?

Acid Reflux Disease, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a condition caused by stomach acid and juices abnormally flowing back into the esophagus, the tube which carries food from the throat to the stomach. If the juice is not removed from the esophagus quickly, it can irritate the esophagus. This problem is generally caused by an improperly functioning Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which either does not close tightly enough or when the LES relaxes at the wrong time and remains open for too long. A normally functioning Lower Esophageal Sphincter will open only for a few seconds after you swallow. Foods such as chocolate, onions, peppermint, coffee, and high-sugar and high-fat foods are types of foods that will relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter and make a reflux occurence more likely. People who digest foods slowly, those who have eaten a very large meal/overeaten, or pregnant women are also more likely to suffer from acid reflux.

The cause of acid reflux in babies and children is usually a baby's immature digestive system. Commonly, most children seem to the problem by their first birthday. However, some children continue to experience acid reflux well into their teens.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease in Adults

The most common symptom of acid reflux is the burning sensation and pain in the chest up into the mouth which is commonly known as heartburn. The second most common symptom is a sour or salty taste, which will sometimes be (though not always) accompanied by heartburn. Less common symptoms include regurgitation (vomit or vomit-like taste in the mouth), halitosis (bad breath), or a persistent need to clear your throat. Chest pain that isn't accompanied by any of the aforementioned symptoms can also be a sign of acid reflux, though it's probably best to check with a medical professional if you are experiencing chest pains. It is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty swallowing or if you are vomiting blood.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease in Children

Symptoms of acid reflux disease in children may vary from the symptoms you see in adults, and are often overlooked. The most common symptoms are repeated vomiting, coughing, effortless spitting up, and other common respiratory problems. Children who are constantly crying, are unable to gain weight, and refuse to eat may also be suffering from acid reflux. Halitosis is also a common symptom in children, though it is important to note that there is no one universal symptom of acid reflux in children.

The effects of Acid Reflux Disease

Mild cases will generally result in no long-term damage, rather just discomfort from heartburn, the tastes left from regurgitation, or slight embarrassment from halitosis. However, severe cases can cause several serious problems with your espohagus, respiratory system, and teeth. You can experience anywhere from severe inflammation of the esophagus (what is known as "esophagitis"), a narrowing of the esophagus, to a wearing of the lining of the esophagus, which can ulcers in the esophagus. Another major problem that can be caused by a severe case of Acid Reflux is Barrett's Esophagus. Barrett's Esophagus is a condition where the cells that line the inside of the esophagus are replaced by cells similar to those that line the inside of the intestine. This change takes place after a long-time exposure of the esophagus to stomach juices. Having Barrett's Esophagus also increases your chances of developing esophageal cancer.

Treating Acid Reflux Disease

First and foremost, there are several simple lifestyle changes you can make to help avoid acid reflux. Avoiding aggravating factors such as caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda, alcohol, consuming large amounts of vitamin C, foods high in sugar and fat, acidic foods (oranges, lemons, tomatoes), fried foods, spicy foods, and dairy products are good ways to keep acid reflux at bay. Most important is that you avoid eating within 2 hours of bedtime, or laying down after having eaten a meal. It is also suggested that cutting back on smoking can also help reduce your chances of experiencing acid reflux.

If these things do not work, your doctor may recommend antacids(Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta) or acid reducers(Tagament, Zantac, Pepcid). Proton Pump Inhibitors are prescription medications designed to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Proton Pump Inhibitors are usually prescribed for severe acid reflux cases, and can also be used to treat severe symptoms like inflammation of the esophagus. The most common Proton Pump Inhibitors are Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Prontoxin.

In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe acid reflux. The most common procedure, known as Nissen fundoplication, consists of wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter to strengthen the sphincter and prevent future acid reflux.