Saturday, April 11, 2009
Yes, its so unfortunate that i'm currently suffering under a gastric reflux. The pain just doesn't seem to leave me. My gullet feels so sore now, eating and drinking will only amplify the pain. So what exactly is "Gastric Reflux"?
DEFINITION
Gastric Reflux, also referred to as heartburn, is a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and/or chest, behind the breastbone. It often occurs when hydrochloric acid backs up into the oesophagus causing senstiive tissues to become irritated.
DESCRIPTION
Gastric Reflux is a back flow of acid into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is the tube which all food passes down after being swallowed. This tube connects the throat to the stomach. A valve between the stomach and oesophagus usually prevents backflow of stomach contents. In certain individuals this valve may be weak, or there may be increased pressure within the stomach forcing acid upwards.
Gastric Reflux is often associated with obesity, pregnancy, overeating, bending, lifting, lying down too soon after eating and smoking. Gastric Reflux may also be brought on by acidic food or drink (tomatoes, orange juice and cola) and by alcohol, especially fortified wines and spirits. Hiatus hernia may also cause Gastric Reflux. Gastric Reflux occurs to some degree in all people but is usually cleared by contractions of the oesophagus and neutralised by swallowed saliva.
A dull, gnawing, steady, mild to moderately severe pain is characteristic of peptic ulcers. See your Doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Other complications of chronic Gastric Reflux include inflammation of the oesophagus, an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, anaemia and ulceration of the oesophagus.
Thanks to the following site for the info.
http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/health/reference/20082008/gastric-reflux/index.html