Acute Acid Reflux
March 1st, 2011 | 
Author: Acid reflux is very dangerous when untreated. When a person experience acid reflux, it is very advisable to immediately call for a medical doctor to prescribe the right cure. When ignored, more complications and secondary illnesses may occur which may only worsen the situation.
Untreated acid reflux can lead to esophagitis. Esophagitis is an illness which the muscles in the esophagus stops its function. The muscles that located at the lower esophagus are assigned in controlling the gastric acid that comes from the stomach that may go back to the esophagus. A person with esophagitis, which is an occurrence that the muscles in the lower esophagus stop its function, may experience inflammation and pain at the upper torso. Curing acid reflux may prevent a person from having esophagitis.
Acid reflux causes the lining of the esophagus to be damaged. When damaged, it may cause the narrowing and scarring of the esophagus. Damaging of the esophagus is caused by the continuous flow of gastric acid through the esophagus. Severe damage of the esophagus is called strictures. Because strictures are the narrowing of the esophagus, the food will have a hard time in entering the esophagus which may lead to malnutrition. To treat strictures, enlarging and stretching of the esophagus is the best cure for this illness. To avoid this illness, better cure acid reflux immediately.
When the acid reflux worsens to esophagitis, it may again worsen to esophageal bleeding or ulcers. With this, it may lead a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus has the symptoms the same as those with acid reflux. Treating acid reflux immediately may prevent a person to experience Barrett’s esophagus. It is very alarming that Barrett’s esophagus may lead to cancer. Esophageal cancer is triggered by smoking, Barrett’s esophagus, alcoholism and acid reflux.
To avoid acid reflux, though hard for some, lifestyle overhauling is the best way to prevent it. Cigarette smoking causes you to intake the nicotine which is very harmful. Nicotine cause the muscles (including the muscles at the lower esophagus) to relax which is not normal for a muscle. When the muscles at the lower esophagus stopped functioning, the gastric acid will reach the esophagus which causes acid reflux. Also, because of nicotine and other harmful substances of cigarettes, the saliva gradually dries in our mouth and throat. Saliva is very important because it is the one which neutralizes the gastric acid which reaches our throat. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk in getting the deadly esophageal cancer. When you are experiencing acid reflux, don’t ever smoke cigarettes.
Healthy diet is also a must when you want to prevent acid reflux or you are already suffering from acid reflux. Don’t eat too much because full stomach causes the gastric acid to reach the esophagus which is a no-no. Small meals for several times a day are better than taking big amount of meals thrice a day. Don’t lie down immediately after meals. Let the food go down fully to your stomach. It is also advisable to raise your head by using a pillow when sleeping.
From this, it is very evident that acid reflux is a disease that should be cured immediately.
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