The Symptoms of GERD

The causes of acid reflux (GERD) are rather simple if they do not lead to further complications of the disease. The symptoms of GERD are heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. However, the complications are potentially rather severe, ranging from an ulcerated esophagus, symptoms of coughing and asthma and other serious symptoms. Therefore, it is best to seek treatment for the symptoms as soon as possible before the complications have set in.

Acid reflux disease is frequent regurgitation-backward flow of digestive juices into the esophagus. These juices contain the digestive juices, one of which is a very strong acid (hydrochloric acid, HCL) which leads to one of the main symptoms. Another symptom is burning of the lower esophagus, which causes pain and sometimes regurgitation of small amounts of liquid into the mouth. Heartburn and nausea are also symptoms of this condition. Should these symptoms persist without monitoring and treatment the disease can lead to precancerous skin cells growing in the esophagus, this is called Barrett's esophagus and can lead to cancer of the esophagus. Cancer of the esophagus is one of the fastest growing cancers and often leads to death. Therefore, it if very important to have any symptoms of GERD checked if they continue for very long.

There are several causes of the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD. These symptoms can be caused by several disorders of the upper digestive tract, including a hiatal hernia, in addition to stress, poor diet and lifestyle habits. It is also a possible complication of pregnancy. The growing fetus is pushing on the digestive tract and can cause a reflux of digestive juices into the esophagus and thus cause the symptoms.

The main symptoms are heartburn, which is a pain in the lower esophagus, caused by the acid having prolonged contact with the unprotected lining of the lower esophagus. Other uncomfortable symptoms are nausea, and regurgitation, which are caused by some of the digestive juices being forced up into the mouth.

The larger problem with these symptoms is with the possible complications that can occur with prolonged damage to the lower esophagus. Barrett's cells have been discussed and are a serious complication that can lead to esophageal cancer. Other complications of these symptoms are an ulcerated esophagus, and coughing for apparently unknown reasons, either because of some symptoms of GERD the irritation in the region of the lungs and esophagus, or because an asthma attack has been triggered.

The treatments for the symptoms of GERD are certain medications and a change of diet and minor changes that decrease the symptoms. Acidic foods are eliminated, fatty foods, which can lower the lower esophageal sphincter and thus open it and cause acid reflux. Changes in sleeping patterns are needed to prevent acid reflux disease.