Also referred to as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux disorder is a condition that should be given adequate attention to prevent further complications. The outward signs that a person suffering from acid reflux disorder may vary from simple discomforts such as mild heartburn, dry cough, and other seemingly common health issues to serious damage of the affected organs that could lead to serious to fatal illnesses. It is important to note that symptoms and signs of the disorder come in various forms, including different combinations of the symptoms. Like for instance, the most popularly known symptom that is heartburn may not necessarily be experienced by the acid reflux disorder patient.
Acid reflux disorder has been gaining considerable attention from the medical industry as it affects a major proportion of the adult population all around the world. But this condition does not only concern adults but people of every age as well, even infants. Generally, children and infants that are affected by acid reflux disease show signs of poor growth and food-intake refusal. When coming across regular possible symptoms of acid reflux disorder such as acid indigestion more popularly known as heartburn ; difficulty or pain in swallowing ; signs of respiratory infection such as asthma, and pneumonia; and nausea and vomiting, it is important to immediately consult with a doctor. Leaving the issue unattended may cause the condition to snowball into something more serious. It is always a good thing to be considering means of avoidance and prevention rather than face greater risks and consequences due to inaction to acid reflux disorder.
Undergoing treatments to be able to control the symptoms of acid reflux disorder is not just done on a one time basis. The disease is chronic and may occur from time to time even after a successful treatment, so utter vigilance and careful health measures are to be considered.
The main cause of the reflux or the backing of the digestive acids up into the esophagus is a weak lower esophageal sphincter that acts as the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. When left untreated, the many times when the acid has regurgitated may result to damage to the esophageal lining that causes it to bleed ulcers and thus indicate esophagitis. The damages to the lining of the wall will eventually heal. Though this is a good thing, it would also pose other problems like strictures or the narrowing of the food passage. Barrets esophagus may also be developed where the cells within the esophageal walls are deformed. This deformity exposes the sufferer to greater risk in acquiring esophageal cancer.
By Melvin Finn