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It is the coincidence of two medical conditions that causes heartburn, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease, as it is known. The backward flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus is the first condition contributing to acid reflux disease. Nonetheless, the reflux can happen in healthy individuals as well, when it is referred to as “physiologic gastroesophageal reflux” and does not always result in symptoms of acid reflux disease or changes in the organic tissues.

The next factor provoking acid reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circle of muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. When acid reflux disease occurs, the stomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut correctly. This is then called acid reflux disease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow.

The typical sensation of acid reflux disease is persistent (twice weekly or more) heartburn. Heartburn is the burning feeling in the chest or the throat, when the stomach contents is pushed back to the lining of the esophagus. As people in good health may also have light reflux, occasional heartburn is common as well and does not immediately mean acid reflux disease.

Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking or constriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomach contents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histological degradation. Other patients of acid reflux disease may also experience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache, sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods).

Some patients can develop a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, where cells occur in the esophageal lining take on abnormal shapes and colors. Notably in adults over 60 years old, this is a first stage leading to esophageal cancer. Other effects include narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When the stomach acid gets to the trachea and not only the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can occur. Acid reflux disease that is not treated can have serious consequences on health.

Surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy are the three choices for dealing with acid reflux disease. The latter comprises diet and lifestyle modifications as well as taking of specific herbal supplements. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of acid reflux disease. While one can use prescriptions of medicaments or acid blockers such as these, remember that the effects are often not permanent and that conventional medication can be accompanied by severe side effects. The use of surgery needs to be very carefully thought about, as certain hidden problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can cause complications.

GERD, seen from a holistic viewpoint, is a warning signal for an internal imbalance of consequence that must be correctly treated. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, changes in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic schedule are the clear recommendation for heartburn sufferers.

Last 5 posts by Jeff Martin

• The RISKS of Severe Acid Reflux - July 18th, 2008
• The DANGERS that Lurk in Severe Acid Reflux - July 16th, 2008
• The MENACES of Severe Acid Reflux - July 9th, 2008
• Relief For Heartburn With Natural Positive IMPACT - July 6th, 2008
• Relief For Heartburn That Gets Results Naturally - July 4th, 2008

Tags: Health