What Is Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux disease Disease (GERD) and is technically defined with chronic symptoms and/or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux disease of gastric contents into the esophagus. This can be caused due to temporary or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach.

Having symptoms of heartburn, in adults, is one of the symptoms of acid reflux disease, characterized by a burning discomfort behind the breastbone. Some of the other warning signs of acid reflux disease in adults include difficulty swallowing and repeated throat and chest pain. Not all of the symptoms must be present; some people may have only one of those symptoms.

Symptoms of acid reflux disease that are not so common include burning sensation at the base of the throat, cough, hoarseness, changes of the voice, chronic ear ache, or sinusitis.

If one experiences occasional heartburn it does not necessarily mean they have acid reflux disease. However, if you suffer from heartburn symptoms more than once a week, it is more likely that you could develop acid reflux disease. If one has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia there is also more of a risk factor for development of acid reflux disease.

Symptoms of acid reflux disease are different and may be difficult to diagnose in babies and children. The symptoms of acid reflux disease in children may cause repeated vomiting, effortless spitting up, coughing, and other respiratory problems.

Continuous crying, inability to gain adequate weight, little to no appetite and bad breath are also common. Children do not have to exhibit all of theses and some may have one symptom.

The under developed digestive systems of babies are usually the cause, and acid reflux disease disappears in most infants by the time they reach their first birthday. However, some children don't outgrow acid reflux disease and continue to have it into their teen years.

Eating certain foods can also promote acid reflux disease. They include but are not exclusive to: Coffee, alcohol, calcium supplements, and excessive amounts of Vitamin C supplements. These stimulate gastric acid secretion. If one ingests these substances, especially before bedtime, it can promote acid reflux disease in the evening. Surprisingly, calcium containing antacids is a good example of this.

Foods high in fats and smoking reduce the effectiveness of the esophageal sphincter, so avoiding these can help, as well. Eating fatty foods also slows down the process of emptying the stomach. Eating many smaller meals throughout the day can also reduce the risk of acid reflux disease.