| There are tons of commercials today that showcase | | | | include the inability to gain weight, the child refusing |
| different medical treatments for the hundreds of | | | | to eat, suffering from bad breath, and excessive |
| ailments our society suffers from. One of those | | | | belching or burping. If the child becomes frustrated |
| ailments is acid reflux. But what does having this | | | | with the condition, they may cry uncontrollably, but |
| condition really mean? In this article I will explore the | | | | it's still difficult to pinpoint the exact condition without |
| meaning of the condition, as well as causes, | | | | medical attention. Believe it or not, there are an |
| symptoms and forms of treatment. | | | | estimated 1 million babies born each year with some |
| What is Acid Reflux? | | | | form of acid reflux in their first few months. |
| Acid reflux (also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux | | | | However, most are able to outgrow the condition |
| Disease) is defined as "chronic symptoms or mucosal | | | | within the first year. The small percentage that |
| damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the | | | | doesn't outgrow it may have to live with the |
| esophagus." This condition is usually caused by issues | | | | condition for the remainder of their lives. |
| resorting from permanent changes in the barrier | | | | Treatment for both children and adults suffering from |
| between the esophagus and stomach. Sometimes | | | | this condition typically undergo the "lifestyle |
| the condition is confused with a bad case of | | | | modifications" rubric to determine what drugs will be |
| heartburn, but once medically determined to be a | | | | most effective. One universal rule for sufferers is |
| reflux condition, it is definite regarded with more | | | | that they should avoid eating two hours before bed. |
| seriousness. | | | | Also, medical researchers have found that, for some |
| Causes of Acid Reflux | | | | reason, those afflicted with the condition can avoid |
| Both children and adults suffer from the disease, | | | | reflux episodes by sleeping on their left side, as well |
| however their causes for having the condition can | | | | as elevating the bed at night. It is believed by doing |
| vary. For babies and small children, the condition is | | | | these three things in conjunction with the appropriate |
| often blamed on their immature digestive systems. | | | | drug therapy results in complete relief for nearly 95 |
| For adults, however, unless born with the disease, | | | | percent of patients. |
| the cause is normally a weakened LES (band of | | | | What Foods to Avoid |
| muscle tissue), which is responsible for closing and | | | | In addition to the above forms of treatment, it has |
| opening the lower end of the esophagus. This band | | | | been determined that certain foods create greater |
| of tissue is vital to maintaining resistance from the | | | | upsets in those afflicted with acid reflux. Some of |
| contents of the stomach. If this wall is weakened, it | | | | those foods include caffeine and alcohol, which both |
| allows the acids from your foods to make their way | | | | simulate the gastric acid secretion, antacids that |
| back up your esophagus. Some reasons the LES can | | | | contain calcium carbonate because they increase |
| weaken include taking dietary supplements, drugs, | | | | acidity in the stomach, fatty foods because they |
| and having nervous system issues. | | | | delay the stomach from emptying its contents, milk |
| Symptoms and Treatment | | | | due to the calcium and fat, as well as chocolate, |
| Similar to the causes of the condition, symptoms of | | | | peppermint, oranges, tomatoes, onions, cabbage, |
| the disease for adult and children can vary. For adults, | | | | spinach and Brussels sprouts. |
| the symptoms can include burning behind the | | | | If you learn the best ways to treat your acid reflux |
| sternum, difficulty swallowing and severe and | | | | disease by working with your doctor, you'll be in a |
| consistent chest pain. Other symptoms can include | | | | great position to combat it before it becomes a |
| excessive coughing, a hoarse voice, continuous ear | | | | problem for you. Maintaining the proper diet, sleeping |
| aches, chronic chest pains, and a feeling of nausea. If | | | | properly, and taking your prescribed drugs will help |
| the condition continues it can lead to serious | | | | you immensely - and keeping a positive attitude |
| complications, including esophageal spasms, ulcers, and | | | | doesn't hurt either. Many people (including babies, |
| cancer. | | | | remember?) manage to live with it every day and |
| In children the symptoms can vary, but may include | | | | you can too. Don't let acid reflux get the best of |
| repeated vomiting, spitting up, respiratory problems, | | | | you. Educate yourself and live well! |
| and coughing. Other signs and symptoms in children | | | | |