The word “reflux” comes from the Medieval Latin word refluxus which comes from the Latin word refluere, meaning “to flow back, to recede”. If you suffer from acid reflux the acids from your gut “flow back” into your esophagus, causing discomfort and agony – this pain is sometimesknown as heartburn.
Whatis the esophagus?
In simple terms, the esophagus is the tube between the stomach and the pharynx, which is at the rear of your throat. According to Medilexicon’s Medical compendium, “the esophagus is the portion of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and stomach. It is about 25-cm long and consists of 3 parts : the cervical part, from the cricoid cartilage to the thoracic inlet ; the thoracic part, from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm ; and the intestinal part, below the diaphragm to the cardiac opening of the stomach.”
The esophageal sphincter lies at the junction where the gut and the esophagus join. Your gut produces strong acids and enzymes ( gastric juices ) which are employed in food digestion. The inner lining of your stomach has many mechanisms to guard itself from the consequences of the gut juices on itself, but the liner of the esophagus doesnot. There is a valve that stops the stomach juices from going up the esophagus – it is known as the lower esophageal sphincter.
When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened gastric juices can seep upwards into the esophagus.
Most of us have acidic backwash Problems now and again. In majority of cases this is harmless. If the problem becomes determined and goes untreated, the heartburn can develop into GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux disease ). In lingering and serious cases the esophagus can become scarred – the patient may have difficulty swallowing, and the chance of developing carcinoma of the esophagus increases significantly.
What’s the difference between acid reflux and heartburn?
Acidic reflux is the action, while heartburn is the sensation. The discomfort is heartburn, while the movement of acid into the esophagus from the belly is acid reflux.
What are the indicators of acid reflux?
- acid reflux
- reflux
- heartburn
What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux commonly occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) doesnot work properly, and allows acid to seep upwards from the gut to the esophagus. Though we know a flawed LES is a common cause, weare not sure why it becomes faulty. One out of many reasons may be that pressure in the stomach rises higher than the LES can withstand.
Tags: acid reflux, reflux