GERD - reflux disease is the abnormal "backups" of fluid in the stomach into the esophagus. Bearing in mind that your stomach is producing acid and digestive juices used for digestion, this may lead to a sense of very painful burning. And eventually, if left untreated, this can become a serious problem as the acid can cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. This occurs as a result of a valve at the entrance to the stomach, the sphincter lower esophageal or LES does not work correctly. Normally, this valve will close as soon as food passes through it. However, if the LES does not close completely or open too often, the stomach acid comes up into the esophagus, causing burning sensation known as heartburn.

Almost everyone has problems with reflux and heartburn occasionally, but usually is inconsequential without sequelae or damage to the esophagus. But keep in mind that GERD is a chronic disease, and if the problem becomes more frequent and more severe, it can be severe. In some of the worst cases, acid reflux can lead to scarring of the esophagus and difficulty swallowing, even at the risk of esophageal cancer. The point is that you must pay attention if symptoms persist and or worsen - It simply wiil not go away without treatment. And even after the esophagus has a bit of healing after a period without any problems, it is expected that the symptoms will return.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms are heartburn, or burning feeling rising from the stomach into the chest or throat, and regurgitation, and increase food and acid into the throat or mouth. The additional symptoms monitoring may include chest pain related, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness - even to dental problems, or food often "get stuck in the throat of a narrowing of the esophagus.

Although acid reflux can affect almost everyone, there are some people who are more likely to suffer from this. The people who smoke, drink too much or are obese are included in this group. But many women have problems with acid reflux when pregnant, and then find that the problem does not persist after delivery.

Treatments

Its symptoms can be very painful, and get to the point where it is considered as GERD and may need treatment. However, often can be controlled with relative ease through prescription or nonprescription drugs, or even a change in lifestyle and control of the things they are doing that are causing the problem. For example, in many cases, the reason is their diet, there are certain foods that are known to trigger symptoms, such as alcohol, pepper, caffeine, garlic sauce, red, and citrus. As you reduce or eliminate foods like these, you may find that your acid reflux will not be a big problem.

Along with a change in diet, a number of other things that can cause acid reflux disease that you can change. Other causes for acid reflux that can be controlled include: overeating, especially lying down after eating , smoking, taking aspirin or ibuprofen, overweight or obesity, and eating near bedtime. So, don't ignore a persistent acid reflux problem it can become more and more serious...Its not going to disappears by itself. Start with a change in diet and lifestyle. But if it does not control your acid reflux disease, then it's time to see your doctor for medical purposes, or for tests to determine the cause of acid reflux problem, and advise with other treatments.