Digestive System Disorders: Acid Reflux Symptoms

In the stomach, there is an amount of liquid content that helps digest food. This content contains an enzyme called pepsin, that helps in the digestion of proteins, and acid. In acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), this liquid backs up (refluxes) into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation and even nausea in those suffering from GERD. In certain people, the liquid may also consists of bile, that was refluxed into the stomach from the duodenum. This condition is chronic and can inflame and damage the esophagus.

There are several conditions and factors that make people more susceptible to acid reflux. For example, in pregnancy the increased pressure in the abdomen caused by the growing fetus, in conjunction with the elevated hormones in the mother tends to lower the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. This action is known to increase reflux. People who also suffer from connective tissue diseases as well as scleroderma are also prone to GERD. Other factors include hiatal hernias, defective esophageal contractions, slower emptying of the stomach and abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Symptoms of acid reflux are uncomfortable and painful, and should not be ignored over a period of time. As mentioned earlier, GERD is chronic and can cause damage to the esophagus. People who suffer from this condition have the following symptoms, which can vary within individuals.

Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning pain in the middle of the chest, behind the sternum. Heartburn commonly after meals, and is due to the stimulation of the nerve fibers in the esophagus caused by acid in the esophagus. Heartburn can also occur when laying down due to the effects of gravity and the stomach, therefore acid is returned to the stomach more slowly. The severity of heartburn goes from frequent and/or severe for several weeks and months to less frequent and/or severe, perhaps absent, over a period of several weeks and months following. Heartburn is a chronic problem that almost always returns.

Regurgitation: Regurgitation happens when larger quantities of liquid (and sometimes food),are refluxed and reach the upper esophagus. The reflux liquid gets through the upper esophageal sphincter, which normally prevents esophageal contents from backing up into the throat; resulting in an acid taste. If there are larger quantities getting though, patients may find their mouths full of the liquid or food, which might be included in the liquid. Acid induced erosions of the teeth can also result from this symptom of acid reflux.

Nausea: A rare symptoms of acid reflux, the frequency and/or the severity of acid reflux might induce such vomiting. Acid reflux (or GERD) is one of the first conditions suspected when unexplained vomiting is a symptom.

Knowing the symptoms of GERD is the first step to treating the condition. If left untreated, then damage to the esophagus may occur. If you think you may be suffering acid reflux, it is important for you to see a doctor, and get a proper diagnosis, and talk about treatment options.

Acid Reflux Disease
GERD

Digestive System Disorders, Diverticulitis

On occasion, the colon develops weak spots, where small pouches bulge outwards, much like a weak spot on an inner tube. These pouches are called diverticula. When you have these weak spots in the colon, the condition is called diverticulosis. In about 10-25 percent of people who have diverticulosis, the diverticula may get inflamed or infected. This condition is called diverticulitus.

It is believed that diverticulosis is caused by a low fiber diet, which makes stool harder to pass, which causes increased pressure in the colon. This increased pressure causes the weak spots in the colon to bulge, forming the diverticula.

There may be no symptoms from diverticulosis, although there might be. Symptoms include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, particularly in the lower left part of the abdomen. Cramping and constipation may also occur. If the diverticulitis is caused by an infection, then the symptoms may also include fever, chills, and nausea.

Diverticulitis may be mild, or it could be serious. Mild forms may require nothing more than rest, and just allowing the body to fight off the infection on it's own. For more serious cases of diverticulitis, antibiotics may be prescribed, and in extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portions of the colon.

Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet may help to reduce the symptoms of diverticulosis, and help to prevent diverticulitis. Fiber helps to soften stool, and help it to pass through the colon more easily.

Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis

Digestive System Disorders

Disorders of the digestive system are quite common, affecting millions of people in the United States alone. For some, digestive system disorders are simply an irritation, causing only discomfort, and necessitating only minor changes in diet or activity. For others, the disorders may be more serious, possibly even fatal.

It is important for you to know the signs of digestive system disorders, and the possible causes. Common symptoms of digestive system disorders include:

• 
  
  Nausea and Vomiting
• 
  
  Bloating
• 
  
  Constipation
• 
  
  Diarrhea
• 
  
  Abdominal Pain

Since these symptoms occur with many different types of digestive system disorders, a qualified physician should always be consulted if you experience any of these problems. Your doctor will be able to accurately diagnose your problem, and prescribe the proper treatment, and if not, he will be able to refer you to a specialist who can treat you.

Keeping your digestive system functioning properly is important to keep you healthy, so if you think you may have digestive problems, get them treated, before it's too late.

Digestive System Disorders
Digestive System Disorders