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 reflux the acids from your stomach “flow back” into your esophagus, causing pain and agony – this pain is sometimesknown as heartburn.
What’s the esophagus?
In simple terms, the esophagus is the tube between the gut and the pharynx, which is at the rear of your throat. According to Medilexicon’s Medical compendium, “the esophagus is the portion of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and stomach. It is about 25-cm long and consists of three 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 ( gastric juices ) which are used in food digestion. The inner liner of your stomach has many mechanisms to guard itself from the consequences of the gut juices on itself, but the liner of the esophagus doesnot. There is a valve that stops the gut juices from going up the esophagus – it is called the lower esophageal sphincter.

When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened gastric juices can seep upwards into the esophagus.

Many of us have acidic burn issues now and then. In majority of cases this is safe. If the difficulty becomes obstinate and goes untreated, the heartburn can develop into GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux disease ). In chronic and severe cases the esophagus can become scarred – the patient might have difficulty swallowing, and the chance of developing carcinoma of the esophagus increases noticeably.
What is the difference between acid reflux and heartburn?
Acidic reflux is the action, while heartburn is the sensation. The pain is heartburn, while the movement of acid into the esophagus from the gut is acid reflux.
What are the indicators of acid reflux?

• heartburn
• acid reflux
• reflux

What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux typically occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) doesnot work correctly, and allows acid to seep upwards from the stomach to the esophagus. Although we know a flawed LES is a typical cause, we aren’t sure why it becomes faulty. One of the many reasons may be that pressure in the belly rises higher than the LES can withstand.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tagged with: acid reflux • reflux

Filed under: Wellness

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!