FAQ About Acid Reflux Disease
What is acid reflux disease?
What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
Is acid reflux disease serious?
How can I know if I have damage from acid reflux disease?
How is acid reflux disease treated?
What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease?
What causes acid reflux?
What foods trigger acid reflux?
What is acid reflux disease?
Acid reflux is the backing up of stomach acid into the esophagus (food
tube). The acid can irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus, causing
heartburn, a burning pain in the center of the chest. Acid reflux disease
is frequent, recurring reflux. If you have heartburn 2 or more days a week,
despite trying to treat it and change your diet, you may have acid reflux
disease. If acid reflux disease is not treated, it can cause potentially
serious damage to the esophagus over time. Acid reflux disease is also
sometimes known as GERD.
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What are the symptoms of acid reflux disease?
The most common symptoms are heartburn, a sour or bitter taste, and difficulty
swallowing. Other symptoms include persistent cough, hoarseness, and upset
stomach.
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Is acid reflux disease serious?
If acid reflux disease is not treated, it can, over time, cause tissue damage
in the lining of the esophagus, a condition called erosive esophagitis (EE).
About 1 in 3 acid reflux sufferers may have EE. And if EE is not treated, it
can result in even more serious health problems. NEXIUM can heal the damage
that acid reflux disease may cause.
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How can I know if I have damage from acid reflux disease?
Only a doctor can see if you have damage in your esophagus. You can’t tell
solely by how you feel. And even if your heartburn pain is only mild, you may
still have damage.
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How is acid reflux disease treated?
Three categories of acid reflux disease medicines include antacids, H2 blockers, and
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are the most effective treatments
for acid reflux disease. NEXIUM is a PPI.
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What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease?
Nearly everyone experiences occasional heartburn. But when heartburn occurs 2
or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, a person may have acid
reflux disease. Only a doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease.
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What causes acid reflux?
There is a “valve” between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES opens to let food pass into the stomach and
closes tightly after food has passed. When the LES does not stay closed after
the food has passed through, acid and stomach contents may back up (reflux)
into the esophagus.
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What foods trigger acid reflux?
For many people with acid reflux disease, common food triggers are: fried and
fatty foods; tomato-based foods; citrus fruits; chocolate; and alcoholic,
caffeinated, and carbonated drinks. It’s best to avoid foods that trigger
heartburn or make it worse for you.
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Next: Living Better With Acid Reflux Disease