Treat Acid Reflux

Differences Between Acid Reflux and Indigestion
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Defined Tag: Acid Reflux.

The terms ‘acid reflux’ and ‘indigestion’ are often used interchangeably however there are a number of differences between the two conditions. Acid reflux symptoms are very similar to those of indigestion however they are more often than not a lot more severe and they persist for more than a few hours.

Acid reflux can be a serious condition if not treated and controlled. It is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and is characterised by pain in the oesophagus and throat where the acid from the stomach causes damage to the lining. These acid reflux symptoms can often only be relieved with prescription medications and so it is important that anyone suffering from prolonged pain visit the doctor for more advice.

If left untreated the acid reflux symptoms can become unbearable as the lining of the oesophagus is slowly eroded away by the stomach acid. The worst case scenario is that oesophageal cancer or any of the other serious and potentially life-threatening throat conditions develop which are a lot harder to treat than the initial acid reflux complaint.

Acid reflux is not curable however a change of diet and lifestyle can help to control the symptoms and thus the discomfort and pain. If this doesn’t help and the acid reflux symptoms persist then medication should be taken as an extra measure.

Indigestion is often thought to be a milder version of acid reflux however this isn’t technically true. Some of the symptoms are similar however indigestion has a number of symptoms not experienced in acid reflux and vice versa. For example, one of the most common symptoms of indigestion is gassy episodes and often these episodes are felt by sufferers of true acid reflux. Indigestion sufferers may also have an uncomfortable feeling around the chest and shoulder area that isn’t relieved by burping.

Indigestion is commonly caused by over-eating or eating too quickly so that the stomach is bombarded with food and the production of acid becomes extreme. Acid reflux however is caused when the sphincter at the top of the stomach is weakened and the stomach acid is allowed to travel up the oesophagus and often into the throat. Because of this dissimilarity the major symptoms of the two conditions are felt in different parts of the body i.e. the chest in indigestion and the throat/oesophagus in acid reflux.

Unfortunately both conditions are quite literally a pain and they can also both upset a person’s lifestyle tremendously. A few changes can help to ease the symptoms however at some point they will return a they will need to be addressed again and again.

Acid Reflux can be very painful but it is definitely treatable. For more information and resources on acid reflux treatment, please visit this site at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com.