Every one of us hears the name of acid reflux but what exactly is an acid reflux. After gaining very much insight into this subject, there still have so many confusions in the minds of people. This disease is not age specific, it can happen to anyone and at any age whether an infant, or an aged person. But it has been seen in many cases that the symptoms are not easily recognizable.
Now, let us peek into this subject and know what acid reflux is? Acid reflux is more commonly known as GERD or Gastro Esophagus Reflux Disorder, which is a condition which becomes erosive due to mixing of hydrochloric acid in the digestion process which is reflected back into the esophagus. There is presence of a sphincter muscle and this situation of acid reflux happens when this sphincter muscle at the end of the stomach fails to close properly as soon as the food reaches the stomach.
If acid reflux is detected in early stages, then this can be very easily treated but when it gets complicated like pain in heart or chest pain then this must be consulted by the doctor. Other symptoms of this include vomiting with the continuous heart burn. So when you get such symptoms you must go to a doctor as early as possible.
There are so many reflux disease tests available. These tests are done to ascertain the exact intensity of the disease or the stage of the disease or the acid reflux. One of the simplest tests includes a Barium Meal X ray of upper gastro intestinal tract. But these are not in the complicated tests. The complicated test includes an upper GI endoscopy, where a flexible probe along a tiny camera is passed down the throat of the patient after sedation. After this, the camera functions by following down the esophagus, and at the same time images are sent to the doctors who are sitting in front of the camera. By this test, the complication of the disease as well as the damage of esophagus can be very easily accessed and medication could be done to improve the condition.
Now, let us see some of the medications of the treatment of acid reflux. The primary goal of the treatment of acid reflux is blocking the enzymes used in the production of stomach acids. These are known as Proton Pump Inhibitors and these include omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, and Prantaprazole etc. Esomeprazole, especially is a very popular drug, also known as Nexium, which helps to get rid of acid reflux. However, esomeprazole may have a few side-effects and thus the substance containing esomeprazole should be taken in consultation with your physician.
Now, let us gain some insight into things which are used to prevent the acid reflux disease. The best way in doing this is first of all alters all those things which are said to be the cause of the acid reflux. For this, all the things like, maintaining a healthy body, staying away from fatty or acidic food, avoiding heavy meals at a time and instead having lighter meals after every 2-3 hours, avoiding alcohol and beer as well as anything that contain caffeine.
Acid reflux is a disease which can cause too much irritation and it can prove so fatal that you might feel dizziness and every other kind of side effects. But these can be easily treated with good medications.