Acid reflux AKA heartburn occurs when the stomach acids enter the esophagus. The esophagus is not equipped like the stomach is to handle strong acids. This is why a burning sensation is felt. This condition is often called heartburn because the burning feeling can be felt in the chest, in the same area as your heart. While heartburn may sound more like an uncomfortable aliment, it can be dangerous as well.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn can happen in anyone. Most often felt after a heavy or spicy meal and often aggravated by lying down soon after eating. Occasional heartburn is normal and can be remedied by any over the counter antacid.

Acid reflux that happens often should be cause for worry. Those acids are not meant to go up into the esophagus. When they do, they burn the lining. Over time that lining will become permanently damaged.

If someone has frequent acid reflux they may be suffering from GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is caused when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus becomes weak which then allows the acids to rise up into the throat instead of keeping them down. When the acids reach the throat, a burning sensation is felt which is described as heartburn.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Burning in the chest and throat are the first signs of acid reflux. This can be felt at night when going to bed, bending over or eating a spicy food.

Most chronic GERD sufferers experience symptoms at night when they are in bed. This is because the acids are more likely to travel to the esophagus when laying flat on your back.

Other symptoms are a feeling of being full, nausea, having food raise into the esophagus and pain in the upper abdomen. Not so common symptoms are dryness in the throat, a hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, chest pain and even a sore throat from the acids.

Dangers in Acid Reflex

Chronic acid reflux that is continually burning the lining of the esophagus can eventually lead to cancer. It is very important that if you feel that heartburn is plaguing you, go see a doctor to discuss your options.

Barret’s esophagus happens when the cells in the esophagus, due to over exposure to stomach acids, become damaged. This happens in about ten percent of the people who suffer from GERD. Barret’s esophagus can turn into cancer.

Things to Avoid

Try avoiding foods and beverages that are highly acidic. Coffee, some teas, juice, spicy and greasy foods should either be completely avoided or at least eaten very seldomly.

Things to Remember

It is important to remember that having occasional heartburn is normal. There are different ways of treating acid reflux from over-the-counter treatments for the random occurrences to surgery for those with more extreme cases. It is important to speak with a doctor to review your options.