Acid Reflux Definition – What GERD Really Is

GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease is such a mouthful to say that it is no wonder most people simply refer to it as GERD or acid reflux. What exactly is GERD? A simple definition is that this is an uncomfortable condition where an acidic liquid is refluxed, or regurgitated, from the stomach into the esophagus, which can become damaged. Although GERD is not considered a life threatening condition, it can certainly make the person suffering from the disease quite miserable.

With a name like acid reflux, it is no surprise that the liquid being regurgitated into the esophagus has acid in it, but you may not be aware that it also contains pepsin. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme, meaning it breaks down proteins in the stomach. The liquid may also contain a bit of bile that has backed up into the stomach from the duodenum. However, the pepsin and bile don't cause much damage or discomfort, which is why GERD is called acid reflux.

For many people, night time is the most common time that acid reflux attacks. It is very hard and a bit frustrating to stop acid reflux. During the day, people also suffer from this disease, but they are usually standing or sitting, which means that the acid simply slides back into the stomach where it belongs and they don't realize they are having any problems because they aren't feeling any discomfort.

For pregnant women, acid reflux can be much more intense. Because of fluctuating hormones and pressure on the abdomen from the growing fetus, Women who normally don't suffer much pain find that the acid reflux is much more painful. Fortunately, medicine has made many advances recently and acid reflux can be controlled, usually with nothing stronger than an over the counter product.

Several of the most popular and successful medications you can find at your drug store for controlling acid reflux are Pepsid, Protonix, and Prilosec. However, despite the fact that acid reflux can be controlled by one of these over the counter medications, it won't be cured. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is known as a chronic disease, which means that it will reoccur throughout the life of the person who has it instead of being cured after a period of treatment. This is why it is important that you consult your doctor if the over the counter medications aren't controlling your acid reflux.

GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease is such a mouthful to say that it is no wonder most people simply refer to it as GERD or acid reflux. What exactly is GERD? A simple definition is that this is an uncomfortable condition where an acidic liquid is refluxed, or regurgitated, from the stomach into the esophagus, which can become damaged. Although GERD is not considered a life threatening condition, it can certainly make the person suffering from the disease quite miserable.

Other articles you might be interested in:

Stop Reflux Now
Reflux Definition and Tips on Getting Remedy
Ulcer Symptoms, Causes and Treatment