We take the food from the throat to the stomach by tube. This tube is not strong enough to hold the acid. For this reason, acid reflux occurs. When we take foods from throat to stomach, then the digestion starts. In this process, an acid produced by the stomach takes part. This acid is stored in the stomach. The stomach has a strong wall in it to store the acid. That’s why the acid can’t disturb the stomach. The acid stored in the stomach and the acid outside the body is almost the same.
When we eat food, the chewed foods go through the food pipe from the throat to the stomach. This food pipe is known as the esophagus. The digestion starts with the presence of acidic juices. This juice is released from the stomach, not from the esophagus. And the purpose is to help in digesting food.
If somehow these juices flow back to the esophagus, then a burning feeling may occur at the middle-point of the chest, which is known as heartburn. This may also be defined as causing acid reflux.
Acid Reflux or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease
Acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux diseases (GERD) are the diseases that have been stated above. It is because of the reverse flow of acidic juices from the stomach to the esophagus. And the reason for this reverse flow is the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter valve, which is placed near the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus when it is needed to get digested again.
The esophagus needs to detach from the stomach to avoid the diseases. For this, a valve is used. A couple of muscles makes a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It also closes itself when the foods reached and it thus does not allow the reverse flow. Thus, acid reflux attack is prevented. It can occur occasionally, but if it becomes a common sensation, then it will be in concern. It then usually results in GERD or gastro esophageal reflux diseases or Acid reflux. GERD can also cause chronic heartburn by frequently relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux attacks may happen for various reasons. If the body is not checked properly, then it may be dangerous to the health condition. Repeated flows of gastric juices cause the destruction of the esophageal lining. This is known as Erosive Esophagitis. It is caused for GERD or gastroesophageal reflux diseases or Acid reflux. If you want to diagnose it, simply check your body by a medical consultant who helps you by upper endoscopy.
Doctor’s Consultation Required
Only a doctor can realize your condition and can detect acid reflux disease. He can also suggest and give you proper guidance. Now, the signs of acid reflux may be as,
1. Heartburn: it includes a fiery feeling which rises from the stomach to the throat.
2. Dental destruction starts normally.
3. Dysphasia: accepts difficultly.
4. Roughness.
5. Regurgitation: it includes back upping foods into the mouth again.
6. Asthma: this includes gastric juice that flows through the throat, mouth, and air passages. It goes through the lungs too.
7. Chest pain: it includes heartburn responsiveness.