Acid reflux, also known as acid indigestion, heartburn or under the medical term Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD), is a disease generally encountered in adult patients – although it can also affect children or even infants. The affection is very common, and it can be caused by a number of factors, such as pregnancy, heavy meals right before sleep or certain foods; the disease itself is characterized by the contents of the stomach entering the esophagus, which may lead to mucosal damage in the chronic cases.

Among the most common symptoms of acid reflux is a burning sensation behind the lower part of the sternum, which may be accompanied by coughing, hoarseness, sinusitis, voice changes or constant ear ache. It is possible for the burning sensation to appear even if the patient is not suffering from acid reflux, but it is best to seek the doctor’s advice whenever this symptom appears. If the disease is left untreated, it may worsen and cause complications such as esophageal ulcer or even esophageal cancer. The usual cause for the onset of GERD is an increase in gastric acid production or an increase in acidity, although yeast infections can sometimes trigger the onset of this affection. Also, factors such as pregnancy, obesity or tight fitting clothes can contribute to worsening the patient’s condition.

Ironically, another cause for GERD can be the inability of the organism to produce sufficient gastric acid. The gastric valve fails to open, and the stomach contents enter the esophagus causing an irritation.

Currently, there are several effective methods of treating acid reflux. The first to be employed is a rebalancing of the patient’s diet by avoiding the foods or ingredients which usually cause or worsen the symptoms (such as soft drinks, caffeine or tobacco). Also, the patient is advised to refrain from eating at least before going to bed or lying down after finishing a meal, and when lying down or sleeping, the head of the bed should be elevated 6 to 8 inches (20 centimeters).

In cases where the diet is not enough to relieve the patient’s condition, drugs can be employed for the treatment of GERD. There are two types of medication usable in such situations: medicines who reduce the quantities of gastric acid the organism produces (such as omeprazole or famotidine) and medicines which counteract the gastric acid (antacids).

The most severe cases require surgical interventions. The most common of these is the Nissen fundoplication, a procedure which allows the doctors to artificially support the sphincter, and thus stop the acid reflux.

If you would like more information on Acid Reflux in all it’s varieties and how to find relief, visit http://www.acidreflux-remedies.net. More information on Acid Reflux Symptoms