Sunday, December 16, 2007

The Link Between Acid Reflux And Chest Pain

More times than not, when people suffer from acid reflux, they
will also have acute chest pains too. Acid reflux and chest pain
basically go together. The sad thing is that what a person is
having an actual heart attack; they do not seek the necessary
emergency medical attention because they think they are
suffering from acidity. This mistake might prove to be fatal for
this person.

So What Is The Difference Between Acid Reflux And Chest Pain
And Acid Reflux Without Chest Pain?

There's little difference in the acid levels or levels of
aggravation of the acid reflux in the person who complains of
chest pain vs. those who suffer from acid reflux but have no
chest pains. So far doctors are hard-pressed to explain exactly
why the pain occurs in some people, while in some others it is
totally absent. Nonetheless, the treatment for both types of
acid reflux stays the same.

When a person suffers from acid reflux and chest pain, not only
is it very uncomfortable, but it can be very dangerous if left
untreated. The acid that comes out of the stomach has a tendency
of accumulating in the esophagus or the alimentary canal. If
this acid is not neutralized quickly then in due course it will
damage the lining of the tube and create painful bleeding
ulcers. This is why doctors and other medical professionals
monitor the levels of acidity found the stomach, as well as the
esophagus before and during the treatment, to make sure that
there is no threat from this angle.

Fast Relief From Acid Reflux And Chest Pain With Proper
Treatments

The good news it is that once a person receives the proper,
medical treatment, relief from any discomfort will happen almost
instantly. However, there are a growing number of people who are
now turning to alternative medicines such as herbal treatments.
Many people are of the opinion that the alternative medicines
can be extremely helpful. One of the most important things to
remember is that the treatment will also require a person to
stay way from alcohol and cigarettes. Drinking alcohol and
smoking cigarettes are not exactly healthy habits to have in the
first place. It is also a good idea to have something in your
stomach all the times if possible. The reason is because the
moment the stomach becomes empty it has a tendency to produce
more acid and this acid in combination with the food will
produce the acid reflux.

One good tip to follow is rather than just eating three meals a
day, try having smaller meals more often throughout the day if
possible. Try to carry some food with you such as a packet of
biscuits and some fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid fast foods
altogether along with soda pops. Fast foods overall are
unhealthy for you. Eat something healthier such as fruits and
vegetables. Following this technique as well as your doctor's
advice should help you in controlling your acid reflux and chest
pains.

About The Author: Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and
publisher of The Acid Reflux Blog. Click here for more great
helpful information about Acid Reflux:
http://theacidrefluxblog.com/acid-reflux-treatment

Taking A Look At Common Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms encompass everything from chest pain, nausea and shortness of breath to a sour taste in the mouth, sore throat and coughing fits. Due to its varying nature, it can masquerade itself as many other problems. How can you tell heartburn from more serious ailments that could land you in the hospital?

Thirty-one patients flooded into the Brigham and Women's Hospital emergency room in Boston, complaining of serious chest pain. It was later found that 57% of the patients merely suffered from Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. Study investigator Dr. Julia J. Liu commented, "Often the role of acid reflux has been overlooked as a potential factor in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with serious chest pain.

But, it is important for patients never to assume their chest pain is caused by GERD, until they have been thoroughly evaluated by a physician to rule out heart disease. If they experience persistent chest pain, they should seek emergency medical care."

There are two types of heartburn - upright reflux, where patients are awake with noticeable discomfort, and supine reflux, which is more frequent in women and occurs when patients are asleep. Nighttime GERD affects approximately 10% of Americans, according to a study done by Dynogen Pharmaceuticals. In a separate study (conducted at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson), nearly three-fourths of the patients with chronic gerd symptoms also suffered sleeping symptoms such as snoring, coughing and chest pain.

"Nighttime GERD affects a large number of patients, and the impact on sleep and quality of life should not be underestimated," commented study leader Dr. Fass, who hopes to find more effective cures for supine reflux. Studies show that esophagus damage can occur with too much exposure to acid.

So how can you tell GERD / acid reflux symptoms from other similar ailments? More than half of the people who suffer chronic acid reflux also have dyspepsia, a condition where they feel nauseous, disgustingly full and suffer abdomen pain after eating. Dyspepsia is not necessarily a telltale sign of GERD.

Often times the chest pain worries people the most, who believe they may be having a heart attack. Both a heart attack and gerd symptoms could arrive after a heavy meal and leave its victim gasping for breath, doubled over with abdomen pain and sweating. In some cases, displaced acid in the esophagus activates nerves that impair blood flow to the heart temporarily, which can be a terrifying sensation!

While chest pain should not be taken lightly, here are some key differences to help you differentiate an Alkaseltzer cure from a trip to the hospital. Symptoms usually last for hours, while a heart attack generally lasts several minutes. H2 blockers or antacids will cure heartburn, while symptoms from a heart attack (like irregular heartbeat, pain, sweating and disorientation) will persist 15-20 minutes after taking the medication.

Chest pain associated with symptoms may radiate vertically from the gut to the esophagus, but heart attacks often start beneath the right breast bone or on the left side of the chest and radiate along the length of the arms or from the chest to the back. You'll feel heartburn and acid reflux symptoms worsen if you're bending or lifting shortly after you've eaten, but with a heart attack, the smallest exertion makes you feel as though your heart may burst at any moment.

It may be shocking to have acid reflux symptoms suddenly, when you've been eating a particular food your whole life. The incidence of indigestion generally increases with age but can happen to teenagers and babies as well. For acid reflux treatment, diet modifications should be tried first and antacids kept on hand for emergency situations.

Educate yourself further about some common acid reflux symptoms from Mike Selvon articles portal at http://theheartburncure.mynicherecommends.com/. Your feedback is valued and appreciated at http://www.mynicheportal.com/health-beauty/ where a free audio gift awaits you.