Archive for December, 2009
Reflux Acid Is Bad
The word “reflux” comes from the Medieval Latin word refluxus which comes from the Latin word refluere, meaning “to flow back, to recede”. If you suffer from acidic burn the acids from your stomach “flow back” into your esophagus, causing discomfort and discomfort – this discomfort is sometimesknown as angina.
Whatis the esophagus?
In simple terms, the esophagus is the tube between the stomach and the pharynx, which is at the back of your throat. According to Medilexicon’s Medical dictionary, “the esophagus is the portion of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and stomach. It is about 25-cm long and consists of 3 parts : the cervical part, from the cricoid cartilage to the thoracic inlet ; the thoracic part, from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm ; and the abdominal part, below the diaphragm to the cardiac opening of the stomach.”
The esophageal sphincter lies at the junction where the stomach and the esophagus join. Your stomach produces strong acids and enzymes ( gut juices ) which are used in food digestion. The inner lining of your stomach has many mechanisms to protect itself from the consequences of the stomach juices on itself, but the lining of the esophagus doesnot. There is a valve that stops the gastric juices from going up the esophagus – it is named the lower esophageal sphincter.
When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened gut juices can seep upwards into the esophagus.
Many of us have acidic backwash issues occassionally. In majority of cases this is harmless. If the problem becomes obstinate and goes untreated, the angina can develop into GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux illness ). In lingering and harsh cases the esophagus can become scarred – the patient could have difficulty swallowing, and the chance of developing cancer of the esophagus increases significantly.
What’s the difference between acid reflux and heartburn?
Acid reflux is the action, while angina is the sensation. The agony is heartburn, while the movement of acid into the esophagus from the gut is acid reflux.
What are the indications of acid reflux?
- reflux
- heartburn
- acid reflux
What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux ordinarily occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) doesnot work correctly, and permits acid to seep upwards from the stomach to the esophagus. Though we all know a faulty LES is a standard cause, we aren’t sure why it becomes faulty. One of the many reasons may be that pressure in the stomach rises higher than the LES can withstand.