Definition - Acid reflux is a chronic digestive disease caused due to flowing back of bile or stomach acid into esophagus or food pipe. Acid reflux diagnosis starts with a detailed analysis of medical history. Esophageal pH monitoring is important.
Definition and Diagnosis of Acid Reflux
New York (USA), June 19, 2013
What is Acid Reflux?
Definition of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a chronic digestive disease caused due to flowing back of bile or stomach acid into esophagus or food pipe. This acid flow from stomach into esophagus causes mucosal damage to esophagus due to irritation of esophageal lining. Acid reflux is same as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or gastric reflux disease.
When the valve separating stomach contents and esophagus is faulty, stomach acids or bile rises up into esophagus. Sometimes abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter causes stomach acid to flow back into esophagus. Acid reflux changes could be temporary or permanent.
Heartburn associated with esophageal disorders occurs commonly. However, if these conditions occur as frequently as twice each week and disrupt your normal life, it is acid reflux. Often there is confusion between acid reflux and heartburn. Acid reflux indicates the backward movement of stomach acid while heartburn indicates a burning sensation.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux diagnosis starts with a detailed analysis of medical history. Common diagnostic tests include barium swallow X-rays, ambulatory Esophageal pH Monitoring, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and Esophageal manometry.
Esophageal pH monitoring is important. This test not only diagnoses acid reflux disease but also monitors treatment options. Treatment through proton pump inhibitors in the short term can bring in a positive response. In extreme cases, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD is performed to correctly diagnose the condition.
Acid Reflux – Causes and Evaluation
Causes and Evaluation of Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Complications and Risk Factors
Complications and Risk Factors for Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Treatments and Medications
Treatments and Medications for Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Clinical Trials and Research Studies on Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies
Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Prevention and Coping
Prevention and Coping with Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help for Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux – Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies
Acid Reflux – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies