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 pain and agony – this discomfort is often known as angina.
What’s the esophagus?
In simple terms, the esophagus is the tube between the gut 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 abdominal 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 ( gut juices ) which are used in food digestion. The inner liner of your stomach has many mechanisms to protect itself from the consequences of the gut juices on itself, but the liner of the esophagus doesn’t. 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 gut juices can seep upwards into the esophagus.
Most of us have acid reflux Problems now and then. In majority of cases this is safe. If the issue becomes obstinate and goes untreated, the angina can develop into GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux disease ). In lingering and harsh cases the esophagus can become scarred – the patient might have difficulty swallowing, and the danger of developing carcinoma of the esophagus increases significantly.
What’s the difference between acid burn and heartburn?
Acidic backwash is the action, while angina is the sensation. The discomfort is angina, while the movement of acid into the esophagus from the stomach is acid reflux.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
- heartburn
- acid reflux
- reflux
What causes acid reflux?
acidic reflux typically happens when the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) doesn’t work properly, and allows acid to seep upwards from the gut to the esophagus. Although we all know a defective LES is a common cause, we aren’t sure why it becomes faulty. One of the many reasons might be that pressure in the gut rises higher than the LES can withstand.
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