Lifestyle Changes and Homoeopathy : Respite from Acid Reflux

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the oesophagus and stomach.Acid reflux is when stomach acid gets pushed up into the oesophagus, which is the tube that carries food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Some reflux is totally normal and harmless, usually causing no symptoms. But when it happens too often, it burns the inside of the oesophagus. The most common symptom of acid reflux is known as heartburn, which is a painful, burning feeling in the chest or throat.Of those who regularly experience heartburn, 20–40% are diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is the most serious form of acid reflux.In addition to heartburn, common symptoms of reflux include an acidic taste at the back of the mouth and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include a cough, asthma, tooth erosion and inflammation in the sinuses.