Severe Acid Reflux
Severe acid reflux can be very distressing. In this article, you will discover what severe acid reflux indicates and even some potentially life-threatening conditions associated with bad acid reflux.
Severe Acid Reflux – Indicators
Extreme acid reflux is not a normal condition. Such severe acid reflux may be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.
GERD
GERD simply refers to chronic reflux. If acid reflux continues over time, damage to the esophagus may result. This is often manifested initially as inflammation. Inflammation can increase the sensitivity of the tissue.
When stomach acid comes into contact with an inflamed esophagus, severe acid reflux may result. This is the most likely scenario for GERD.
Over time, this can lead to more serious health conditions. Severe acid reflux may lead to a change in the esophagus over time known as Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus has no symptoms in and of itself but rather marks an adaptation of the esophagus to constant exposure to acid reflux.
In Barrett’s Esophagus, the cells in the esophagus begin to change to resemble in parts of the intestine. The problem with this change is that this change significantly increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Treatment for Severe Acid Reflux
Severe acid reflux and GERD are typically treated via prescription medication, typically a proton-pump inhibitor or h-2 blocker. This should be managed by a doctor as severe acid reflux may progress (or be indicative of) esophageal damage. Untreated esophageal damage may increase your risk for cancer.
Lifestyle changes can be used to reduce acid reflux, particularly losing weight, avoiding problem foods, and eliminating the intake of alcohol, coffee, and nicotine. These heartburn remedies may reduce your symptoms as well, but medical attention should still be sought when GERD is in the picture.
However, even if you prefer to make lifestyle changes rather than use medication, a doctor should evaluate your condition. Certain medications may enhance healing if an exam demonstrates that there is esophageal damage.
Heart Attacks – A Hidden Danger
Every day, people around the world confuse heart attacks with severe acid reflux. The truth is that even when taking in all of the symptoms into account, it can be difficult to tell the difference.
Heart attacks generally include a squeezing or crushing pain, and the pain often radiates beyond the chest. Bad acid reflux pain is centralized on the midline and does not radiate into the shoulder or sides of the neck.
Severe acid reflux as well often involves the burping of a sour or bitter taste. Symptoms of acid reflux can often be manipulated by bending over or lying down as well; bad acid reflux will be worse when bending over or lying down, and will feel better while standing up.
As a general rule, even the worst acid reflux is rarely extremely painful. Heart attacks, on the other hand, can be extremely painful, even debilitating. Additionally, heart attacks may cause the individual to break out in a cold sweat and induce anxiety or a feeling of unease. Reflux should not cause sweating or anxiety.
However, not all heart attacks have symptoms beyond chest pain, and some heart attacks may have no chest pain at all and can be virtually silent!
Due to these variances and the high stakes involved, it is much better to play it safe and seek immediate medical attention than it is to assume your extreme acid reflux is heartburn.
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