How Do You Define Acid Reflux Disease?

Acid reflux disease is commonly known as GERD, which translates to gastro esophageal reflux disease. It is a persistent condition where the acid contents of the stomach rise up to the esophagus. If not treated, this state can lead to esophageal damage which could need operation. Once treatment for acid reflux disease begins it is generally essential to continue treatment for the rest of your life. There are medications which heal the damage but once discontinued, the damage can happen again.

There are certain conditions which are thought to contribute to acid reflux disease. People with scleraderma often have acid reflux disease because of the esophageal muscles being damaged. Scleraderma is a rare disease which hardens the muscles, tissue, and major organs.

Another circumstance is people who have a hiatal hernia often suffer from acid reflux disease. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach attaches to the esophagus which causes the esophagus to push against the diaphragm. Once this happens the esophagus is no longer in the correct position and is more vulnerable to acid reflux disease.

Esophageal contractions are one of the more familiar causes of acid reflux disease. When the esophagus constricts it pushes acids upwards which results in the burning sensation known as heartburn.

Complications of Acid Reflux Disease

Since acid reflux disease is a chronic condition, there are quite a few complications that can arise because of it. Ulcers can form in the esophagus just as in the stomach. An ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus which generally causes bleeding. In severe cases, the bleeding can become so severe, enough to necessitate blood transfusion. This is uncommon but is something that requires to be carefully watched.

Strictures will form after an ulcer has healed. This is comparable to scar tissue that forms after surgery. If the stricture is large enough, it may cause food to ledge on in the esophagus causing a choking feeling. In some situations the food must be surgically removed. This problem can usually be corrected by a surgical procedure which requires stretching the esophagus out to a more normal size. The procedure is simple and normally does not involve a stay in the hospital.

If the reflux is dire enough to get into the lungs it could result in pneumonia. This occurs when reflux fluid is aspirated into the lungs. This condition usually is followed by severe coughing. With this type pneumonia, the patient should seek immediate treatment since the acid can cause serious harm to the lining of the lungs. Scarring could result or, if left untreated, acid reflux disease could lead to death.