- Image via Wikipedia
Some very serious health problems may occur as consequences of an untreated acid reflux disease, and that’s why it is very important to detect, diagnose and treat the affection in its early stages.
The acid reflux disease leads to the onset of esophagitis, characterized by inflammation, irritation and pain in the esophagus caused by the gastric acid attacking the esophageal tissues. In the case of healthy individuals, a group of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter has the role of protecting the esophagus from the gastric contents by only opening up to let food pass from the esophagus into the stomach, and then closing back tight again; however, in the case of a patient suffering from acid reflux, these muscles are no longer able to close as tightly, and the acid leaks out into the esophagus.
In the case of severe acid reflux, the esophageal lining may become scarred, effectively narrowing the esophageal passage. This medical condition (called esophageal stricture) can become severe enough to block the passage completely, thus preventing any food or water from passing through. This may further lead to the onset of a number of nutrition related affections, and as such it should be treated immediately through certain procedures which aim to enlarge and stretch the esophagus.
When acid reflux causes esophagitis, the patient is exposed to the risk of developing esophageal bleeding or ulcers. Also, Barrett’s esophagus is more common in the case of acid reflux sufferers – this is an affection caracterized by a discoloration of the tissues in the lower esophagus as they become more and more resistant to acid, but the modified tissues also have a higher risk of malignancy. Along with Barrett’s esophagus, severe acid reflux, smoking and alcoholism are considered to be the leading causes of esophageal cancer.
The acid reflux disease can be managed through a number of lifestyle changes. Most of these are related to the individual’s eating habits: for example, eating several small meals every day instead of three big ones will prevent the stomach from becoming overloaded, and thus will reduce the chances for any gastric acid to enter the esophagus. Other measures involve both the eating and sleeping schedule: eating shortly before going to sleep may cause night-time reflux and pain; it is strongly recommended that you do not go to sleep for at least 45 minutes after having had a meal. A few measures refer only to the patient’s sleeping habits: for example, a patient affected by the acid reflux disease should be sleeping in a bed with the head elevated 6 to 8 inches, in order to help keep the gastric contents down.
Your personal physician can offer you more advice regarding prevention and treatment methods for your acid reflux disease. It is best that you closely follow his indications in order to treat your affection and prevent any of the possible complications.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f462b1f8-6f91-4bf3-ad6a-bf16ab99ef36)
Related posts:
