Gastroesophageal reflux (or "acid reflux" or "heartburn") occurs when stomach and food acid reverses from the stomach back into the esophagus. Typically the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) acts as a valve and keeps food on its way down after you swallow. Reflux in infants is comprehensive because a baby's LES is still weak, as the necessary muscles haven't strengthened yet. Symptoms of acid reflux for adults include a burning sensation in the chest and throat or a bitter, puke-like flavor in the mouth. Some people with repeated symptoms of acid reflux may cause an over-abundance of stomach acid that spills over out of the stomach.

There are two types of heartburn - upright reflux, where patients are awake with noticeable discomfort, and supine reflux, which is more frequent in women and occurs when patients are asleep. Nighttime GERD affects near 10% of Americans, according to a study done by Dynogen Pharmaceuticals. In a separate study (conducted at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson), nearly three-fourths of the patients with chronic gerd symptoms also suffered sleeping symptoms such as coughing, snoring, and chest pain.

"Nighttime GERD affects a large number of patients, and the impact on sleep and quality of life should not be underestimated," commented study leader Dr. Fass, who hopes to find more effective cures for supine reflux. Studies show that esophagus damage can occur with too much exposure to acid.

So how can you tell GERD / acid reflux symptoms from other similar ailments? More than half of the people who suffer chronic acid reflux also have dyspepsia, a condition where they feel nauseous, disgustingly full and suffer abdomen pain after eating. Dyspepsia is not necessarily a telltale sign of GERD.

If you can't fathom giving up any of your favorite foods, your doctor may recommend heartburn medication to help you combat the immediate symptoms of acid reflux. Most of these products can be purchased over-the-counter, but some variants are doctor-prescribed. For mild symptoms, calcium carbonate antacids like Tums, Rolaids or Maalox binds to and neutralizes acid for quick relief. The effervescent Alkaseltzer is a widely acclaimed favorite in drinkable form that may cause some burping but quickly extinguishes the stomach sickness and chest pains. Proton Pump Inhibitors like Prilosec or Nexium are said to work best by suppressing excessive acid production during those big holiday meals. Histamine 2-Receptor Antagonists like Pepcid AC or Zantac reduce the amount of acid in the stomach to help people with severe heartburn symptoms.

In the next link you may find a great product to stop your acid reflux right now: Stop your acid reflux

One last thing about infant reflux. While more than half of all babies experience infant reflux in their first few months of life, the condition usually resolves itself within 12 to 18 months. Often times reflux symptoms are similar to colic or the average infant fussiness. Here are some basic guidelines to answer the questions, as to how to tell if reflux is the culprit and what you can do.

Babies spit up... a lot. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that closes the throat) isn't fully developed yet and the soft tissue allows for liquid to come back up just as easy as it went down. Generally, as the child ages this will be less of a problem, although it's possible that he or she may have infant reflux.

Aside from being kind of gross, infant reflux can be a sign of GERD (a severe version of reflux resulting in awful pain, vomiting and poor weight gain) or Pyloric Stenosis (a rare condition where a narrowed valve prevents stomach contents from emptying properly into the intestines). You should seek medical advice if your baby resists feeding but seems hungry, isn't gaining weight, has fewer wet diapers than normal and seems lethargic, spits up forcefully, spits up green or brown fluid, or spits up more than a few tablespoons at a time. If your baby sounds hoarse all the time, has diarrhea or difficulty breathing, then definitely ask your doctor about infant reflux.


Now that you know the triggers and treatments for acid reflux, you won't have to dread that extra drumstick this holiday season. Just remember not to lay down or lift things right after eating. Keep antacids on hand for emergencies and avoid that extra spicy treat.

Ruben Diaz gives you the basics and an easy to follow guide to get rid of your acid reflux. For details and to claim your free audio report about acid reflux, visit the Basics of Acid Reflux site now

Autor: Ruben Diaz

This article is free for republishing