Acid Reflux Syndrome

Acid Reflux Syndrome is a disease not to be ignored and never to be self treated. So, the right information must be known about the disease. Acid Reflux Syndrome takes place when acid and other food materials in the stomach back flow in the esophagus. The esophagus is a 10 inch long tube that links throat to the  stomach. In normal case, the reflux of the material remains in the lower part of the esophagus which causes the heartburn and nausea. Such occurrences are not only painful but also causes damage to the lining of the esophagus. Sometime the backflow may reach up to the throat and the burning sensation is felt at the throat.

Most of us experience some sort of minor reflux after a heavy meal. But usually occurrence of such incidents are usually not taken seriously. So long such incidents are rare , such actions are o.k. but if the symptoms persists , it is necessary that actions taken for treatment immediately before serious complications develop.

Acid reflux syndrome, if untreated , may develop into various complications like erosive esophagitis, esophageal stricture, ulceration or Barrett’s esophagus and eventually may lead to esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus  is the most serious acid reflux syndrome. It is a premalignant condition where the membrane cells of the esophagus gets changed. The lining of the esophagus changes to something similar to the intestine lining. By this change the heartburn ceases but at the same time increases the risk of esophageal cancer many fold.

Some of the most common symptoms of Acid Reflux Syndrome are intense heartburn, stomach problem, consistent cough, a roughened voice, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, a problem in swallowing.

Acid reflux syndrome can happen to anybody irrespective of age or sex. But, it is most likely to affect people who are obese or suffering from hiatal hernia, recurring vomiting, or scleroderma. For women, Acid reflux syndrome is reported to take place more frequently during pregnancy.