Acid Reflux Treatment
The need to consume food to stay healthy, energetic and alive needs no elaboration. All of us also know that the stomach produces acids that break down the food into digestible material, creating amino acids and proteins. The acid produced in the stomach does not affect the stomach as the latter has a protective membrane.
All of us also know that the food taken by the mouth passes through the esophagus into the stomach. The esophagus does not have a protective membrane immune to acids. Thus, when the acid in the stomach reaches the esophagus, the walls are easily affected and the resulting sensation is what is called heartburn.
Heartburn is the first indication that you are suffering from an acid reflux problem. Left untreated, it will worsen and you may experience regurgitation. That is when the food in the stomach starts to move up into the esophagus. The discomfort in the chest region will also worsen. You may start getting asthma and your teeth may start getting corroded by the acid coming back into your mouth.
There is however no need to be alarmed. Acid reflux can be cured, but the method of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.
The root cause for the problem is the malfunctioning of a valve called, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, found between the esophagus and the stomach. This valve is to prevent the food in the stomach from coming back into the esophagus and throat. When the valve malfunctions, acid from the stomach moves up to the esophagus and you experience the discomfort called heartburn.
Cure can be of two types – medical or surgical. In the former, antacids are used. Available in tablet or liquid form, this is used quite often. Both are effective in creating a foam coating that prevents the acid from attacking the lining of the esophagus and throat. Antacids are administered after meals or at need. It is essential that when taken in tablet form, proper chewing takes place so that it can be truly effective.
There are some other medicines that act to strengthen the lower esophageal muscle, to reduce acid reflux. This is however best to be left to professional medical practitioners to prescribe. The severity of the problem needs to be studied and appropriate dosage prescribed.
Doctors inevitably advise a change in your diet if you suffer from acid reflux. While this may be hard to implement, it is worth the trouble to rid one of this unpleasant condition.
Do not wait till it is too late. Delay in treating acid reflux may necessitate surgery. Consult a doctor if you experience heartburn. He will study the condition and advise you a proper course of action. The condition may respond to medication and surgery can be avoided.
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