What is Heartburn or Acid Reflux?
Heartburn is also commonly know as Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
This is described by the condition in which the stomach’s liquid content refluxes in the esophagus. This liquid can cause damage and inflammation in the lining of your esophagus. The liquid that is refluxed contains pepsin and acid which is produced by the stomach. Pepsin is the enzyme which starts the digestion of the proteins found in our stomach. The regurgitated liquid can also contain bile that backs-up from the duodenum which attaches the small intestines to the stomach. The most damaging ingredient in acid reflux is acid.
Heartburn acid reflux is known as a chronic condition which may take a lifetime to deal with.
How do chronic condition happen? It happens when there is injury to the lining of the esophagus. If you seek treatments, you must continue with the treatment or else the problems will continue to persist and may become cancerous.
No doubt, our very own body has ways to protect itself from the destructive effects of acid reflux. Acid reflux usually occurs when a person is in a laying down position because the refluxed liquid can freely flow back to the stomach.
When a person swallows, reflux liquid flows back into the stomach. The salivary glands produce saliva containing bicarbonate, and every time the person swallows, the saliva containing bicarbonate travels down to the esophagus. The bicarbonate acts as the neutralizer in the small amount of acid which is left in the esophagus.
For most people, the reflux of the stomach’s liquid content into the esophagus happens naturally. Heartburn sufferers’ refluxed liquid contains more acid and thend to remain in the esophagus for longer periods of time.
Certain conditions make a person vulnerable to acid reflux. A person who has GERD can also have elevated hormone levels. If you feel you are suffering from GERD it is advisable to seek medical advice from your doctor.
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