Heartburn: Hints on Dealing

Acid reflux or GERD (gastoesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the liquid, mainly acid, that is in the stomach backs up into the oesophagus. It usually manifests itself as a burning, stinging or even ripping type of pain around the breastbone area which we commonly called heartburn. Acid reflux can have many causes. These are a couple of the most common ones:

1. The lower oesophageal sphincter or LES is a muscle ring that circles the end of the oesophagus where it meets the stomach. The LES acts as a one way valve which allows food and drink to pass through into the stomach and then closes so that the stomach contents does not move back into the oesophagus. Sometimes the valve does not work properly and acid is allowed to move back up into the oesophagus.
2. Hiatal Hernias can also contribute to heartburn. It has been found that a large number of people who have Hiatal hernias are also heartburn sufferers. A hiatal hernia tends moves the LES out of place (it is usually level with the diaphragm but due to the hiatal hernia the LES is pushed up and lies in the chest). Because the LES is out of place the LES and Diaphragm are not able to work together as a unit to prevent acid refluxing back into the oesophagus.
3. The second way a hiatal hernia can contribute to heartburn is due to the hernial sac which is located near the oesophagus. Acid tends to get trapped in the sac and because the sac is so close to the oesophagus when the LES relaxes the acid may be refluxed into the oesophagus.
4. The hiatal hernia can also lead to acid reflux in a third way. Normally the oesophagus connects to the stomach at an angle creating a tissue flap. When a hiatal hernia is present this flap tends to become warped and distorted and is therefore not able to stop acid moving back into the oesophagus.
5. People who suffer from heartburn sometimes have a problem with the contractions of the oesophageal muscles when they swallow. Usually the contractions of these muscles push the contents in the oesophagus into the stomach. If the contractions are not strong enough then the acid does not get pushed back and remains in the oesophagus which causes pain.
6. Clearing the oesophagus is really important if you want to prevent acid reflux. Unfortunately if you are a smoker it is that much more difficult as cigarettes have a direct effect on the normal functioning of the oesophagus. It can take up to six hours from your last cigarette for the effect on the oesophagus to wear off.
7. Acid reflux and heartburn is most common after meals. This is especially true if you lie down after a meal. Gravity is then not able to pull the acid down into the stomach. It is therefore recommended that you remain in a vertical position after a meal. Also try to avoid large meals as they can also contribute to acid reflux.

There are many different reasons people may have acid reflux. Theses are just a couple of the more common ones to help you in your quest to relieve some of the discomfort you feel.

For more information on how to treat and cure your acid reflux, visit http://www.acidreflux-heartburn-treatment.info now for a FREE mini course to help you!