Acid Reflux Disorder Defined

Most people experience a burning sensation in the chest and/or stomach on occasion after eating. The cause of this is attributed to the stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) backing up into the esophagus.

The question that many people have is, how does one know if they are experiencing something that is not normal? Although occasional distress related to acid reflux is common and 'normal' in most cases, it is when this occurrence happens on a regular basis that there should be cause for concern. Sufferers of Acid Reflux Disorder feel this discomfort on a regular and frequent basis.

Normally, food enters the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is located on the upper right side of the stomach. The LES is like a door or gate. It opens and closes. In normal circumstances the LES closes and remains closed as the stomach wall muscles contract rhythmically to mix food with hydrochloric acid and enzymes.

In a person with mild Acid Reflux Disorder the LES does not close firmly enough to prevent the acid and food from rising up into the esophagus. This leads to an irritation of the lining of the esophagus. If the Acid Reflux Disorder is more severe, the LES may be at least partially deteriorated from repeated exposure to the acid. In such cases the patient will experience pain more often.

Symptoms include mild to severe 'heartburn', characterized by a burning pain behind the sternum. If this feeling extends to the throat, the resulting damage can lead to laryngitis. If the acid and food enter the lungs, pneumonia can result.

There can be various causes for the lower esophageal sphincter not functioning properly. Very often other health issues are involved, including: allergies, gallbladder problems, enzyme deficiencies, hiatal hernia, stress and ulcers. Certain foods and beverages are also culprits. Very often physicians recommend the avoidance of particular foods and beverages. This includes foods in this list: coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, spicy foods and/or tomato based foods.

Although a single cause of Acid Reflux Disorder has not been identified, one major logical cause is overeating. Even worse is overeating and lying down soon afterward. That will increase the pressure differential between the esophagus and the stomach - leading to increased stress on the LES. Other possible causes and/or contributing factors include lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and high fat diets (which remain in the stomach longer).

If you experience discomfort as described in this article you should visit your doctor. Only a qualified physician can determine if you are merely suffering from occasional heartburn or if in fact it is Acid Reflux Disorder. Mild cases of the disorder are often "treated" via lifestyle changes. More severe cases may require medication and in the very extreme cases surgery may be an option.

There is an excellent resource called "Stop Acid Reflux Now!" that goes into great detail about this issue, as well as provides remedies that can reduce and actually eliminate acid reflux altogether. I have personally used these techniques with success. You can also get a free newsletter that contains much more information and tips just by going to Stop Acid Reflux Now!