Acid Reflux Disease:How Do You Know it is Not Heart Attack But Acid Reflux?

IS ACID REFLUX DISEASE SOMETHING TO BE ALARMED ABOUT?

If you ask if those episodes of burning sensation in your chest are something to be worried about, the answer is: usually no.  Acid reflux disease or heartburn, characterized by this burning pain in the esophagus area and usually accompanied by some “lumpy” feeling in your throat and acidic taste in your mouth, is fairly common.  There are at least ten percent of your fellow Americans who experience these symptoms at least one episode in a week.  

While this is rarely a life threatening experience, other get their share of worry especially those who have a suspected it as a cardiovascular problem.  Acid reflux disease can also be very discomforting that it hampers one’s productivity and could literally make some put things down while suffering an episode.  It should be noted that some chronic heartburn, if not properly addressed, may lead to some complications.

The key is understanding the nature of acid reflux disease, its causes, and consistent program of treatment for those who are suffering severe and chronic cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT IS JUST ACID REFLUX DISEASE AND NOT SOME HEART ATTACK?

Are you suffering from acid reflux disease?  Even your aunt Martha may be able to tell you that you have heartburn.  But it is better to consult with your doctor as only he could easily give you a professional diagnosis as they are easy to identify based on the symptoms that you are experiencing.  However, severe and chronic cases of acid reflux disease may need tests to determine the extent of the danger it may pose on the sufferer.  

COMMON MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OF ACID REFLUX DISEASE

    * Endoscopy – The process is called Upper GI Endoscopy wherein a small flexible tube with a light and a camera at its tip, called endoscope, is inserted and passed inside the esophagus to make a visual examination of the lining.  In some cases, a biopsy is required for further diagnosis.  The patient is usually sedated during this procedure.
    * X-Rays – this process is called Upper GI Series wherein the patient is made to drink a special liquid contrast that will coat the esophagus and the stomach to help in taking X-ray images of these areas.
    * Manometry – this process is called Esophageal Manometry wherein the muscle function of the lower esophageal sphincter or LES is measured by passing a specialized tube into the esophagus.
    * PH Monitoring – this is done while the patient goes through his normal daily activities, including eating, for a period of 24 hours.  The test is done by passing a very thin tube into the esophagus.  This measures the amount of stomach acid that regurgitates back to the esophagus, and these episodes of regurgitation of stomach acid to the esophagus can be tied up to the symptoms the patient will be reporting.

Anyone suffering chronic acid reflux disease can ease or prevent these discomforting occurrences by following a strict acid reflux diet and some necessary lifestyle changes. It means following a diet that avoids fatty foods, highly acidic foods and drinks, and some weight-loss program for those who are overweight.  Acid reflux disease, if chronic and occurs almost regularly, can become something more severe if not attended to.