Can Acid Reflux Heartburn Kill You?

Acid Reflux Symptom

The have been a flurry of recent articles in various medical publications linking acid reflux heartburn to life threatening diseases. It is doubtful that there are many medical examiners or doctors that have cited acid reflux heartburn as the direct cause of death. However acid reflux heartburn symptoms have been associated with cancer, lung disease, CPOD, heart disease, strokes, obesity and other life threatening conditions. Many medical professionals feel that acid reflux heartburn symptoms are indicators of a more serious condition and should be considered warning signs. Severe acid reflux heartburn symptoms lead to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This condition is characterized as severe scarring of the esophagus by repeated exposure to stomach acid. This condition has been identified as a precursor to esophageal cancers.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Most medical professional will tell you that in general people with chronic acid reflux heartburn are suffering from poor lifestyle choices. Smoking, abusing alcohol, binge eating, obesity, lack of exercise and ingesting the wrong kinds of food are all directly linked to the symptoms of heartburn and the causes of acid reflux. In addition these lifestyle choices are also linked to real killers like heart attacks, strokes and cancer. The keyword here is choices. Granted there are genetic predispositions that may make one more susceptible acid reflux heartburn related conditions but by in large most acid reflux heartburn is cause by our own action or lack of action. If you accept this fact then it goes without saying that the serious life threatening diseases and conditions are also related to our poor choices in lifestyle as well.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Lift style changes when done early enough can stop your heartburn symptoms and possibly prevent serious medical conditions later in life. If you are already suffering from a medical condition that is relatively life threatening and have serious acid reflux damage in the form of GERD then you will need lots of medical assistance in addition to making the necessary lifestyle changes. If you were born with poor genetics that make you predisposed to addictive behaviors like smoking, the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of alcohol you will have a very tough time making the life style changes necessary to improve the quality of your life and stay alive. Even if you were fortunate enough to be free of addictive genes simple lifestyle changes are really neither simple nor easy. Again as human beings we have the ability to make choices and many choices in life are hard and require discipline.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Once you have decided to cure your acid reflux heartburn symptoms through life style changes you will need to see your physician for a physical exam. This has two major benefits with the first being that with a complete physical your doctor will determine if your symptoms are related to a more serious disease or condition. The second reason to see your physician is to ask where you cans get assistance in making the tough lifestyle changes that you need to make. Your chances of success in making any lifestyle change is related to the help and support you receive in your endeavor. Only a very few people are able to make major lifestyle changes without the support of their family, friends and medical providers.

Remember that although acid reflux heartburn probably will not kill you directly the underlying causes associated with it may. The symptoms of this condition are painful and reduce the quality of your life. How much longer are you going to continue to suffer needlessly? Yes it does require discipline and hard work but it just may save your life.

Can Acid Reflux Heartburn Kill You?

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid Reflux vs. Non-Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest, almost as if your heart is on fire? Have you ever felt a burning sensation in your throat followed by a foul taste in your mouth? If you have, then what you've experienced is acid reflux, commonly referred to as heartburn.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux is a common condition that almost everyone experiences at least once during their lifetime. During digestion the stomach produces enzymes and acid to digest food. When the mixture of stomach acid and enzymes are refluxed into the oesophagus more frequently than they should, or for an extended period of time, acid reflux occurs. The most common symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation behind the breast cavity.

Acid Reflux Symptom

A number of factors can contribute to acid reflux including:

Acid Reflux Symptom

o Being overweight - excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen and can push your stomach up causing acid to reflux into the oesophagus

o Overeating - Eating too much food can slow digestion.

o Posture and tight clothing - Sitting hunched over while eating or wearing constricting clothing around your waist puts pressure on your stomach

o Foods - many types of food trigger heartburn including: caffeine, fired or fatty foods, salty food, chocolate, excessive alcohol, garlic, peppermint, onion

o Smoking - nicotine aggravates the stomach and oesophagus and inhibits saliva production.

o NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can aggravate the stomach.

Antacids and acid-suppressing medicines can help relieve and prevent acid reflux from occurring. There are many types of these drugs available for over-the-counter (OTC) purchase such as the antacids Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol, and acid-suppressers such as Pepcid AC.

Nevertheless, in rare cases, despite the medications an acid reflux sufferer is given to treat their symptoms, they continue to experience symptoms. Many medical researchers are beginning to believe that the ineffectiveness of the treatment may be due to the fact that those who are being treated for acid reflux are actually suffering from agents within the oesphagus that are not related to stomach acid. This condition is known as non-acid reflux.

What is non-acid reflux?

Non-acid reflux is when other potentially harmful agents (not stomach acid) are refluxed into the oesophagus such as bile. It has been discovered that non-acid reflux is defined as a reflux that has a greater pH level than 4. Unfortunately, not much is known about non-acid reflux, its symptoms, or the affects it has on the oesophagus.

It has been found that most cases of non-acid reflux occur after mealtime when the contents of the stomach are being neutralized, and the condition is more present in children than adults.

Medical researchers are still trying to figure out the exact cause of non-acid reflux. Currently new technology is being used that can accurately determine the presence of acid or non-acid in the oesophagus by measuring the Ph level.

If you believe you are suffering from acid reflux, but you find that OTC antacids are not relieving your symptoms, it is a good idea to seek the advice of your doctor. It is important for you to know what type of reflux you are experiencing so you can properly treat your condition. The reason is if you are suffering from non-acid reflux, taking an antacid will not cure your symptoms because this drug has been designed to neutralize acid - acid which would not be present in the case of non-acid reflux.

In addition, if you suffer from frequent episodes of acid reflux, you should still consult your doctor. It may be possible that your common condition has developed into a chronic disease known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid Reflux vs. Non-Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid Reflux Cure - Combating the Symptoms

Acid Reflux Symptom

To distinguish the right acid reflux cure, you need to know what it really is that you're battling with. Basically, the condition known as acid reflux disorder which also comes in other names is indicated by the faulty flow of stomach acids and enzymes back into the esophagus. This action is caused by a defective or weak lower esophageal sphincter or LES which serves as the barrier between the esophagus and stomach, specially designed to prevent regurgitation.

Acid Reflux Symptom

To decide on which acid reflux cure would be best for your case, one good step to take is judging the symptoms that you are experiencing. The disease is quite complicated with various symptoms or a combination of different signs emerging from one patient to another. Probably the most common are heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting, pain in the upper abdomen and regurgitation of undigested food in that may reach the mouth.

Acid Reflux Symptom

If you are looking for fast-acting acid reflux cure, then you can head to the nearest pharmacy and purchase antacids. This type of drug contains alkali liquids that act on stomach acid by neutralizing them, thus the quick relief. But these may not prove enough specially for more severe cases where you will be needing stronger acid reflux cure.

Acid Reflux Symptom

The first thing to do, in finding the right acid reflux cure, especially when the symptoms are felt on a regular basis is to consult a doctor. Basing on the symptoms shown, he will then evaluate the sufferer using various diagnostic methods or procedures. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, medication will then be prescribed depending on the severity of the case.

Heartburn which is the most common symptom may cause further issues such as sleeping problems, when the condition lasts overnight. An acid reflux cure to consider in alleviating the discomforts is through using an acid reflux pillow. This will aid in keeping the patient position right to prevent reflux while ensuring the most comfortable rest possible. But before going on shopping for your acid reflux cure pillow, consult the doctor first for suggestions or recommendations.

A great means of preventing the symptoms is by implementing measures in changing many aspects of your life, gearing towards a healthier lifestyle. Life's most tempting indulgences should be avoided like alcohol, cigarettes, and chocolates. Your diet should be planned accordingly, eliminating the food which may trigger the symptoms. Though the many given acid reflux cure may work differently, a successful diet is considered among the most effective in avoiding the occurrence of the symptoms.

Acid Reflux Cure - Combating the Symptoms

Acid Reflux Symptom

How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux Naturally - This is How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux Without Medication!

Acid Reflux Symptom

In the last few years the prevalence of acid reflux in the general population seems to be on the rise. The pathology behind this condition is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which connects the stomach to the esophagus and results in the regression of the stomach contents to the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube through which food is transported from the mouth to the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring that normally allows the flow of food only from the esophagus to the stomach and not vice versa.

Acid Reflux Symptom

The disease occurs mainly due to modern lifestyle and eating habits. The symptoms of this condition include pain, tingling and a burning sensation in the chest and throat, as well as difficulty swallowing and coughing after eating lunch. Studies in the United States, have showed that one in four Americans has symptoms of acid reflux, but only the 7% of the general population actually know that they are suffering from the condition. What is more, it is estimated that 25% of pregnant women suffer from the condition, while 50% will definitely have some episodes of acid reflux during pregnancy.

Acid Reflux Symptom

But how can you be sure that you are actually suffering from acid reflux?

Acid Reflux Symptom

The diagnosis should be confirmed by a gastroenterologist, because the symptoms are not specific to this particular condition. Also, with the objective tests you can determine the severity of the disease and exclude other diseases that may share the same symptoms. The methods used for the diagnosis usually include gastroscopy, Ph-metry esophagus (it measures the acidity of the fluid of the esophagus with an electrode placed through the nose into the esophagus where it remains for 24 hours, while the patients perform their normal daily habits) and test Bernstein (a mild acid is channeled through a conduit into the esophagus to reproduce the symptoms of the disease).

Many sufferers try to use drugs in order to get rid of this problem, but usually this method doesn't work. However, there are several changes in lifestyle and diet that can help relieve the symptoms. People who suffer from the reflux disease should avoid acidic foods and acidic drinks such as citrus fruits, onions and coffee.

Below is a list of foods that have been shown to trigger acid reflux:

Citrus fruits. Chocolate. Coffee and caffeinated beverages. Alcoholic beverages. Fried foods. Very fatty foods. Onion and garlic. Foods with the flavor or the scent of mint. Spicy foods. Tomato and red sauce dishes. Pizza and chili.

How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux Naturally - This is How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux Without Medication!

Acid Reflux Symptom

Curing Acid Reflux the Natural Way

Acid Reflux Symptom

Most people prefer natural cure for a serious condition like Acid reflux. The reason is that the symptoms are really dangerous and result in a lot of symptoms in the patient. People are tending to experience a lot of heartburn at short intervals and many other serious symptoms.

Acid Reflux Symptom

There are several factors contributing to this disease such as drinking a lot of alcohol, eating foods containing large doses of citrus or leading a life full of stress.

Acid Reflux Symptom

However, the disease can be easily treated by the advice of an experienced health care professional. Natural remedies are very effective and do not produce any sort of side effects on the body. Fortunately, there are a lot of natural remedies available when it comes to treating acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Here are some of the most natural forms of remedies effectively used to treat acid reflux:

- Peppermint

This element works towards facilitates easy digestion. It also relieves tension and cramps that contributes towards pushing of the acid back towards the esophagus.

- Aloe Vera

Also known as miracle plant, the juice derived will effectively heal damaged esophagus.

- Lavender

The wonder herb does a lot to provide relief from several symptoms of the acid reflux.

- Loose weight

Remember that acid reflux can be cured only via curing the damage done to the esophagus and lowering the level of acid present inside the stomach. When you loose weight, you automatically cure the damaged esophagus and reduce acid quality inside the stomach.

- Orange peal extract

This is a safe method of curing acid reflux inside the body. It facilitates moving of food via the esophagus in a rapid motion. This further reduces the chances for the heartburn symptoms to occur. The orange peel also acts as a surfactant. This means that the peel minimizes the surface tension of the liquids present inside the stomach. It also suppresses the chances of liquids inside the stomach to splash up towards the esophagus.

The patient is usually recommended to take about 1,000 mg of orange peel on a daily basis for about twenty days. You must choose a product with 98.5% of d-limonene. It is a compound naturally found in the extract of orange peel.

- Apple cider vinegar

This should be taken at least thrice a day with water. The recommended dose is about two tablespoons.

- Pickle juice

Drinking pickle juice will help a lot in providing relief from acid reflux.

- Raw apples

Eating lots of raw apple will work wonders to provide relief from acid reflux symptoms.

- Avoiding fried foods

You need to abstain from fried and fatty foods in order to get relief from acid reflux.

- Water

Drinking lots of water usually helps in getting rid of symptoms caused by acid reflux. One should at least drink eight to ten glasses of water a day.

- Herbal remedies

Here are some of the herbal remedies widely prescribed for curing acid reflux.

- Chamomile

- Meadowsweet

- Slippery elm

- Cancer bush

- Fennel

- Catnip

- Angelica root

- Gentian root

- Ginger root

Curing Acid Reflux the Natural Way

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid Reflux Pillows - Does A GERD Pillow Really Work?

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux pillows are one form of treatment for GERD, also known as acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Symptom

A sufferer from GERD will experience the flow of acid going from the stomach into the oesophagus. This is because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is supposed to keep the acid from escaping the stomach, prevents the acid from passing through it.

Acid Reflux Symptom

The symptoms of this escaping acid are heartburn and they are particularly bad at night time in bed, because the stomach acid does not have to fight against gravity to reach the oesophagus. We shall see soon that this is where acid reflux pillows can be very effective.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Many GERD sufferers toss and turn all night and frequently wake up. Often they must raise their head until they are sitting upright to alleviate the symptoms. Their partners are also affected so GERD can create misery for the entire family.

Acid reflux pillows work by elevating the head and neck slightly above the torso and rest of the body. In this way, stomach acid has to fight against gravity to reach the LES and pass through it to the oesophagus, which is where the painful sensation is felt.

They are made from all sorts of materials from foam to plastic. The best acid reflux pillows will inflate so they can be adjusted to the person using them. They will also provide good spine and lumbar support as well as simply raising the head and neck.

However, acid reflux pillows, whilst offering relief, are not the be all and end all when it comes to controlling your GERD symptoms. This is because GERD symptoms are experienced even in standing and sitting positions. The escape of stomach acid is often accompanied by the release of gas during belching/burping which aid the process. So, even when acid has to fight against gravity, it can still make its way out of the stomach and into the oesophagus.

Acid reflux pillows do work to some extent at relieving the symptoms of GERD but this condition should be treated under medical supervision because it can potentially become more serious in the long term. If you suffer from GERD or frequent heartburn, I highly recommend that you speak to your doctor and do your research to consider ways of curing it completely.

Acid Reflux Pillows - Does A GERD Pillow Really Work?

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid Reflux Back Pain - Is Acid Reflux the Cause of Your Back Pain?

Acid Reflux Symptom

If you've had acid reflux for awhile now and you've noticed pain in your back you may have come to the conclusion that acid reflux back pain is a real problem. So are back pain and acid reflux connected? Well, to answer that question it actually depends on what your symptoms are, and how severe.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Let's get an understanding of reflux first. Then we'll talk about the symptoms. And if you do in fact have acid reflux back pain and not some other form of pains on your back we can get to the treatment solutions. Reflux is caused when you have a lower esophageal sphincter, or (LES) that is not working correctly. The job of the LES is to act as a gateway between the stomach and the esophagus, and if it is weak or in a relaxed state, in can not properly keep the contents of the stomach down.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Now, the typical pain symptoms that relate to reflux are pains that radiate all over your back. Often times it's hard to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. This pain and protest from the stomach come immediately after eating. If you experience your back pain right after you eat and you also experience heart burn at the same time, then most likely the pain is a direct result of reflux. Can acid reflux cause back pain indirectly? Yes. Sometimes when people sleep at night, they elevate their heads to help alleviate the pain from heartburn. If you sleep all night in a position that is discomforting to your back, eventually this will lead to back pain.

Acid Reflux Symptom

So if you've determined that you have acid reflux back pain and you'd like it to go away, here are a few solutions that will help you. For immediate quick relief you can take over the counter drugs. You can mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with a large glass of water. You can mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water and burp a couple times for best results. For more permanent results, most people have to consider changing up their diet, exercising, and making complete lifestyle changes.

Acid Reflux Back Pain - Is Acid Reflux the Cause of Your Back Pain?

Acid Reflux Symptom

How Acid Reflux And Voice Disorders Are Related

Acid Reflux Symptom

When a person is suffering from acid reflux, the symptoms sometimes appears to be due to a cold or flu. People start coughing, they might have a sore throat and sometimes they can even lose their voice completely. If these things are due to a cold, the symptoms usually last for a few days and then disappear.

Acid Reflux Symptom

But if they continue beyond a few days, they could be a sign of an acid reflux problem. Voice loss is one symptom, along with sore stomach, headaches and heartburn. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and acid reflux can lead to other problems as well.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux can cause the throat to become very sore. This happens when stomach acid leaves the stomach and travels to the lungs and even to the esophagus. The acid can become mixed with saliva which can affect the throat. This will cause a person to lose their voice.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Another way acid reflux can cause a voice disorder is when the acid causes shortness of breath. This will limit the amount of air needed to speak. The vocal chords will be strained because of the extra work they have to do to when a person tries to speak. Over time, a persons vocal chords can become damaged and which will affect the voice. Their voice will either become thin and barely audible or it will become deeper.

Acid reflux can also lead to problems in the lungs and other organs, including the heart. In most cases a change of diet is necessary to minimize these effects.

Avoiding acidic foods, such as certain fruits is a good step. It's also important to avoid alcohol as it leads to increased acid production.

The vocal chords will need to be looked by a doctor who may have to perform surgery because sometimes when vocal chords are damaged, growth can occur. Tiny polyps may form which can make the voice scratchy and hurt when one speaks. Only a doctor will be able to diagnose this problem. If ones vocal chords hurt for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor so that they can find a solution to the problem before it gets worse. Sometimes if a person waits too long, surgery will not be able to be performed because the added damage surgery might cause.

Acid reflux is a common problem but unfortunately it cannot be cured - only treated. Diet and medications can make a difference, and your doctor will be able to work with you to determine the best solution for your particular situation.

How Acid Reflux And Voice Disorders Are Related

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children - Try to Stop in the Early Hours

Acid Reflux Symptom

Acid reflux is an annoying, uncomfortable condition for many people. Most of those that suffer from Acid reflux are grown-up people, but children and small babies and others can also suffer from acid reflux. This condition can be very uncomfortable and distressing. The only difference between adult's problem and that of children is that the kids really don't know what to say about this situation. They don't have words to explain their condition if suffering from Acid Reflux.

Acid Reflux Symptom

It is the responsibility of the parents to recognize the Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children. You must tell your kids about the acid reflux in their language and make sure that have gathered knowledge about this problem. For your convenience here are some of the hints to recognize the acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Symptom

Gaze at Them:

Acid Reflux Symptom

Make sure that you kid is taking his or her meal regularly and properly and without any trouble. If you get a hint that your child has some problem in consuming and digestion of food then wakes up and consults your nearest doctor.

When discharge up is escort by unfortunate snooze habits along with frequent stretching, consistently being unhappy or refusing food, the pediatrician may suspect Acid Reflux Symptom in Children. While it is much easier to make a diagnosis in adults, Children cannot verbally communicate their symptoms and must rely on parents understanding what their actions mean.

Slow weight gain along with constant sinus or ear infections may be another indication that the child suffers from Acid Reflux Symptoms and having all of this information will enable the pediatrician to make the best diagnosis and treatment for the child. Parents should never use hoe remedies for Child acid reflux unless prescribed by the doctor as they could inadvertently cause other health issues for the child.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children are not always true:

One can not conclude on the basis of symptoms, that a child is suffering from Acid reflux. Consult your doctor immediately after you get a clue about this disease because a doctor can only tell the best medications for your child. A prospective observational study found that children treated with gastric acid suppressing agents for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) were at higher risk of gastro-enteritis or community-acquired pneumonia after treatment. The authors note that many children receive gastric acid suppressants. Children with vesicoureteral reflux who received prophylactic antibiotics were 79% more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than those receiving endoscopic injection of the dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children - Try to Stop in the Early Hours

Acid Reflux Symptom