Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD

Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD can also additionally appear comparable, however they truly are very different. Acid Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is vulnerable, inflicting the acid out of your belly to transport backward into your esophagus. Heartburn is when the acid occurring within the esophagus causes a burning sensation inside the chest. GERD is a persistent shape of acid reflux.

Acid Reflux

What is it?

As indicated before, acid reflux occurs when the muscle is weak or isn’t tightening, acid from your stomach can move backwards into your esophagus. You may get the taste of food or stomach acid in the back of your throat. This can cause heartburn.

The following are symptoms you would feel with acid reflux:

·      bitter taste in back of throat

·      sore throat

·      cough

·      sour taste in mouth

·      burning and pressure that can go up the breastbone

Heartburn

What is it?

According to the Washington Post, 60 million Americans feel heartburn at least once a month. It occurs in your digestive system and can lead to mild to awful pain. The acid from the esophagus triggers a burning feeling in the chest. The burning pain feels like it is going up around the neck and throat, or as if it is located around the breastbone. Bending or even lying anywhere can lead to it getting more painful.

You can control heartburn with this advice:

·      losing weight

·      quitting smoking

·      avoiding acidic foods

·      eating fewer fatty foods

Treatment

Tolerable infrequent heartburn can be treated with antacids. If you take antacids frequently, your gastroenterologist will need to look you over. The heartburn is probably a bigger issue like acid reflux or GERD.

GERD

What is it?

GERD occurs when acid reflux appears two or more times a week or when inflammation is caused in the esophagus, which can lead to cancer.

The following are uncomfortable, intolerable things that come with GERD:

·      chest pain

·      heartburn

·      asthma

·      persistent dry cough

·      feeling like food contents are coming back up to throat or regurgitation

What causes it?

Being overweight, hiatal hernia (reduces pressure in LES) and taking antibiotics that weaken LES can cause GERD to occur in a person’s body. An upper endoscopy can bring up whether GERD is occurring or not.

Treatment

Weight loss, better food habits and alcohol and smoking cessation can help control GERD. Antacids and over the counter antibiotics can help GERD and other times it isn’t relieved. Antibiotics for GERD work to reduce the amount of acid in the tummy. It may not relieve pain for all individuals, a procedure will have to be performed to reinforce the LES.

GERD in children and adults

In children GERD is common, for infants it is common because their bellies are tinier and not able to tolerate being full. Infants will feel GERD if the following is occurring:

·      choking

·      regurgitation even after burping

·      wheezing

·      fussing even after eating

·      abnormal breathing

As the child continues to age, they can come across issues that cause GERD:

·      chest pain

·      frequent respiratory infection

·      abdominal pain

·      heartburn

·      raspy voice

If you believe that the issues to your esophagus is from acid reflux, heartburn or GERD, call to talk to one of our Miami gastroenterologist or request an appointment online. We are glad to assist you and answer any questions.