Acid Reflux Disease Untreated
Acid Reflux Disease - Consequences and Diagnosis
By Caleb Liu
People frequently refer to acid reflux disease as heartburn. The word is a misnomer. The acid reflux condition has nothing to do with the heart; we only mistake it as a burning of the heart area because of the proximity of the esophagus to the heart. If this condition occurs too often, you should consult a doctor for guidance.
Acid reflux disease, also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a relatively common digestive disorder where the cardiac sphincter -- the last few centimeters of the esophagus that forms a valve between the esophagus and the stomach -- does not close at appropriate times and thus permits digestive acids to reflux into the esophagus. This is what results in the discomfort of heartburn.
Reflux is most likely to occur after large meals, especially if accompanied by physical activity. However, such irregular bouts of heartburn do not point to acid reflux disease. Reflux symptoms are more frequent and are longer in duration if you suffer from GERD.
Acid reflux is far from rare and is in fact the most widespread cause of digestive disorders. However, you may be diagnosed for acid reflux disease only if the signs are prolonged, hindering your daily life. It is quite likely that your diagnosis will be acid reflux disease or GERD if you feel the discomfort of heartburn at least twice a week for at least three consecutive months.
Consequences
If the level of GERD you suffer from is moderate, you may experience some discomfort and pain. The inner lining of your esophagus may slowly wear out.
If acid reflux disease reaches an advanced level, it may lead to complications that could require hospitalization. If the refluxed liquid goes above the upper esophageal sphincter, it may enter the throat, resulting in a sore throat and hoarseness. If it reaches the mouth, it can cause the teeth to decay by dissolving the enamel.
If left untreated, acid reflux disease may cause inflammation in the esophagus, requiring serious attention. Acid reflux disease can also destroy the lining of the esophagus, a condition known as erosive esophagitis. This may be accompanied by the formation of ulcers. Another condition that may result is the occurrence of abnormal narrowing in the esophagus due to scars left behind by the bleeding. Acid reflux disease may also result in breathing problems like coughing and asthma or even pneumonia. Refluxed liquid may also enter the lungs or larynx and affect them.
Diagnosis
Your physician may ask you to provide your medical history, and then carry out a physical scan. The doctor may put you on a medication to quell any symptoms of heartburn. If the symptoms subside significantly, the diagnosis of acid reflux disease will be considered confirmed.
Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe certain advanced [http://www.treatingacidreflux.org/acid-reflux-help.html]procedures for diagnosis These can include:
1) Upper endoscopy - This will allow the doctor to observe the inner lining of the esophagus with an instrument known as an endoscope.
2) Esophageal acid testing - The amount of acid present in an attack of acid reflux is measured by this procedure.
3) Gastric emptying tests - These tests are used to determine how well the stomach empties its contents. About one-fifth of GERD patients have stomach emptying problems.
If you found this information on Acid Reflux Disease useful, you'll also want to read about [http://www.treatingacidreflux.org/acid-reflux-medication.html]Acid Reflux Medication
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