Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is diagnosed when an individual suffers symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week. GERD is a digestive disorder that is the result of stomach acid returning to the esophagus, consequently irritating the lining of the esophagus. Initially lifestyle change and self-care procedures are utilized in order to try and control the reflux and heartburn. However, when these symptoms occur frequently or interfere with daily activities and are not efficiently managed with home remedies it is important to make an appointment to visit a medical professional.

GERD is most likely caused by a weakened band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. Under normal circumstances, once food passes through the esophagus to the stomach, the valve at the bottom of the esophagus will close and prevent liquids and stomach acid from coming back up into the esophageal tract. When this valve does not function properly an individual will begin to experience the symptoms of GERD which will worsen over time. Complications include scar tissue or ulcers in the esophageal tract.

Beyond the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn sufferers may also experience a persistent cough and trouble with swallowing. Chronic cough is defined as a cough that has persisted eight or more weeks and its presence has yet to be explained. It is not thoroughly understood how a dry cough which may worsen at night, is related to GERD although it continues to be researched. Studies have found that by treating GERD the cough is also managed when cough is the presenting symptom by a patient. A plausible explanation of the relationship is that coughing is an effective way for the body to rid itself of irritants and excess fluids. Sufferers of GERD and concurrent chronic cough may find relief in avoiding lying down after meals, not eating meals that exacerbate the condition, and elevating the head when sleeping.

There are a variety of measures which are adequate for diagnosing GERD once the initial medical appointment has been made. These include x-rays, endoscopies, and esophageal tests that measure the amount of stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus. To begin treatment a patient will initiate lifestyle changes such as attaining and maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods that worsen heartburn, and abstaining from food and liquids close to bedtime. Along with these actions a patient can also take over-the-counter antacids and medications. If through following this regimen symptoms are not alleviated, prescription medications will be recommended. As with the over-the-counter medications there are prescriptions available that reduce acid production and there are also medications available that can strengthen the valve that connects the esophagus and stomach. Additionally, these medications assist with emptying the contents of your stomach more quickly. In more severe cases surgery to repair the esophagus or the valve located between the esophagus and stomach are considered when prescriptions are not adequately treating GERD or when long term use of medicine is not desired.

GERD is a digestive disease for which there are numerous treatments available depending on the severity. Untreated GERD is uncomfortable and interferes with daily living. Find out about ways to treat GERD in order to avoid a chronic cough be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

Many who suffer from acid reflux spend days and nights trying ways to cure the digestive disorder. Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acids and enzymes escape the stomach and end up in the esophagus where a burning of the chest ensues. Sufferers of acid reflux often complain of a vast range of discomfort ranging from mild to debilitating.

A few symptoms of acid reflux can include but are not limited to:

• Regurgitating food from the esophagus into the mouth: This is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms as it often renders acid reflux sufferers afraid to eat out in public or amongst company. Many sufferers associate this symptom with a ticking time bomb affect. After ingesting food it seems as if any minute the food will make its way back up causing for an uncomfortable physical and social situation.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is generally experienced as a burning sensation in the chest. There have even been those instances when heartburn can be mistaken for a heart attack. This heartburn can travel down into the stomach causing a discomfort in the entire chest and lower abdomen.
• Stabbing pain: There is no one way that the pain from acid reflux registers in the body. While many have described the pain as an increasing burning sensation there are those cases when the pain stabs and is abrupt and instant.
• Trouble swallowing: Eating and drinking can become an inconvenience while suffering with acid reflux. Often times there may seem to be something blocking the flow of food and drinks into the body. It seems that when eating and drinking that there is a block in the throat simulating a lump that is stopping access.
• Teeth and gum erosion: Erosion of the teeth and gums can be more common if the acid reflux is ongoing or long term. The acid that escapes the stomach is hazardous and toxic enough to break down the structuring of the teeth and gums.

There are several treatment options for acid reflux. The key is to find the remedy that works for you. The most common way to find the perfect acid reflux remedy for your need is through trial and error. Here are a few suggestions that may be of help:

• Drink lots of water: Water is known to neutralize the acids in your stomach. Drink water before and after meals to reduce the amount of acid used for digestion.
• Eat small meals several times a day: The key is to avoid a hyperactive digestion. Small meals mean less work for the digestive system. Larger meals at once can kick the stomach into an unnecessary overdrive that can often result in acid reflux.
• Avoid trigger foods: Try keeping a food log. Take note of the foods that tend to cause acid reflux after consumption. Stand clear of these foods at all cost. Eat foods that are healthy and have less hazardous affects.
• Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice can decrease esophagus irritation while neutralizing stomach acids. There are several health benefits to drinking aloe vera juice so try implementing this into your daily diet.

These are just a few of several acid reflux treatments. For more information visit refluxremedy.com today!

If you experience pain in your stomach after eating, you may have an ulcer. If your pain is intense, or has been going on for quite some time, you should seek the advice of a physician.

Generally, stomach ulcers are caused by bacteria called H. Pylori, not by stress or spicy foods as was once thought. H. Pylori is a corkscrew shaped bacteria that is fairly common among all people, regardless of age, sex or health condition. What causes it to run rampant in some people and not others is still a mystery, but if your ulcer is blamed on H. Pylori, you’ll likely be prescribed a series of medications and tests to make sure the bacteria is eradicated.

Regardless of the cause of your stomach pain after you eat, there are a number of things you can do to help prevent or relieve it.

• First, modify how much food you take in at once. By limiting your intake, but increasing the number of times you eat during the day, you can help your stomach to better deal with the digestion process, and reduce stress on your body.
• Second, make sure you’re not eating foods that will aggravate a stomach ulcer or other digestive disorder. Things like fatty foods, dairy products, garlic, acidic fruits like citrus, caffeine and onions should be avoided. Breads and products that contain whole grains, fish and lean meats and fruit containing antioxidants (like the ‘superfruit’ blueberries) should be targeted if you suspect an ulcer.
• Third, although you may be trying to target certain foods and avoid others, a balanced diet is crucial to maintaining a healthy body. Everything in moderation is vital. Make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs to heal by providing it with essential vitamins found in all types of food.
• Fourth, exercise regularly to keep oxygen rich blood flowing throughout your body. This will help your body heal, and prevent future injuries and traumas like ulcers.
• Fifth, don’t take pain killers if you’re experiencing pain in your stomach after you eat. Although pain killers may be your first instinct when you’re having pain, just don’t do it. Pain killers can often exacerbate an ulcer and take your situation from bad to worse. Even over the counter pain medications have been shown to cause ulcers, so if you already have one, don’t aggravate it by taking additional pain medications.
• Sixth, if you’re a smoker, quit. Smoking has been scientifically shown to cause a host of health problems, including death, so quitting will help your case. It actually increases acid production in your stomach, which can irritate an existing ulcer. So just quit it.
• Lastly, make sure you’re keeping your stress levels down to a healthy amount. Too much stress causes the body to create excess stomach acid, which irritates the esophagus and stomach lining, making it difficult for an ulcer to heal. So, meditate, take deep breaths, listen to music, take up a hobby, or anything else that helps you stay calm in a stressful situation.

Pain in the stomach after eating can be a debilitating symptom of a potentially serious problem. For more information on this disorder and how you can help your body heal from it, visit refluxremedy.com today.