Esophageal Reflux
Esophageal reflux occurs when food and digestive acids in the stomach, regurgitate back up the esophagus. The normal process is intended to move food from the stomach to the small intestine. When food and acid are regurgitated, it can result in damage to the esophagus. The irritation is caused by stomach acid. A valve called the esophageal sphincter is intended to close, preventing acid and food from moving back up the esophagus. When the valve fails to work properly because of inflammation in the stomach or other issues, food and acid flow back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GIRD) can damage the esophagus and may also harm the lungs and larynx. This damage can cause voice hoarseness and also impact the voice box.
Over fifty percent of the population occasionally suffers from esophageal reflux. Commonly termed heartburn, patients who suffer the symptoms more than twice a week are diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also if the esophagus is damaged, a diagnosis of GERD is pronounced.
A common misunderstanding about GERD is that its cause is too much acid in the stomach. This is not the case. GERD is caused by inflammation from H. pylori, an infection or a hiatal hernia. Standard medical treatment for esophageal reflux and heartburn are acid reducers like Prilosec and Prevacid. Since acid is not this issue these proton pump inhibitors become addictive and only make the problem worse. Over 18,500 pieces of medical literature address the ineffectiveness of controlling stomach acid in aiding sufferers of GERD, yet this common practice continues.
Alternative Treatment for Esophageal Reflux – GERD
Alternative treatment for GERD and esophageal reflux is offered at Sunridge Medical and includes first helping the body restore its natural gastric balance. The first line of defense in alternative treatment for esophageal reflux is good nutrition. However, the root cause of esophageal reflux must be found and treated. Upon discovery, we create a custom designed treatment plan to treat the whole body and not just the symptoms of GERD.
For answers to your questions or to make an appointment, call us toll-free at 855-747-6832 to speak with a Patient Care Team. Let us help you get your life back.
