GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease is such a mouthful to say that it is no wonder most people simply refer to it as GERD or acid reflux. What exactly is GERD? A simple definition is that this is an uncomfortable condition where an acidic liquid is refluxed, or regurgitated, from the stomach into the esophagus, which can become damaged. Although GERD is not considered a life threatening condition, it can certainly make the person suffering from the disease quite miserable.
With a name like acid reflux, it is no surprise that the liquid being regurgitated into the esophagus has acid in it, but you may not be aware that it also contains pepsin. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme, meaning it breaks down proteins in the stomach. The liquid may also contain a bit of bile that has backed up into the stomach from the duodenum. However, the pepsin and bile don't cause much damage or discomfort, which is why GERD is called acid reflux.
Quite a few people say that acid reflux attacks only happen at night. Although they don't feel any discomfort, they are probably actually also having bouts of GERD during the day. However, because they are standing up or sitting, the acid usually is just sliding right back down into their stomachs and they aren't having any of the symptoms that they experience during the night time hours. To control the pain of acid reflux, most people are able to rely on over the counter products.
In fact, for pregnant women, acid reflux is downright painful. Because of irregular acid reflux levels caused by hormonal imbalances and the adjustments the body's organs, including the stomach, make to accomodate the fetus, GERD attacks are often much more intense.
Over the counter medications such as Pepsid, Protonix, and Prilosec are easily available at most drug stores. Despite the fact that they can be purchased without a prescription, they are very effective in controlling acid reflux symptoms. However, they will not cure you. GERD is chronic, which means that it does not go away with treatment. It will continute to affect you throughout your life, but these medications can help you weather attacks with very little discomfort. If these medications don't provide relief, you should talk to your doctor about other treatments.
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