In the first article on this subject, we gave a general overview of acid reflux and some of the causes. In this article we’ll look at the subject in a little more detail and examine some possibly related medical situations.
Once again, please keep in mind two important points:
1. This article does not constitute qualified medical advice – if you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns, you should consult your physician as soon as possible;
2. Acid reflux is only rarely indicative of a very serious underlying condition!
Acid Reflux – Sometimes A Mimic
In the first article we examined how typically the symptoms of acid reflux are perhaps best described as unpleasant rather than severe. Of course, that’s only for the majority of sufferers and if you’re one of the comparatively few that suffer severe symptoms then you’ll know that they can be quite distressing.
The reality though, is that in many, perhaps even the large majority of cases, the cause of an acid reflux attack is never clearly attributable.
Even so, sometimes the symptoms may mimic those of more serious conditions.
Some acid reflux sufferers have experienced chest, stomach and throat pains. In some cases these symptoms can seem similar to those of a heart condition and as a result, medical tests may be required to ensure that the problem really is attributable to acid rather than your heart.
Of course, it hopefully goes without saying that if you experience symptoms involving chest pains and burning sensations around your throat, neck and shoulders then you must get immediate medical assistance. Do NOT self-diagnose and assume it is only an acid attack unless you have previously had medical guidance on the same subject.
Acid reflux symptoms may also mimic the effects of some forms of poisoning, infection or allergic reactions. A severe acid attack may also lead to vomiting and a number of other symptoms that may seem similar to those of a range of more serious digestive disorders.
It’s also true that if you’re not used to them, the symptoms of a sudden attack of acid reflux may generate anxiety. Anxiety in itself can have a cumulative negative effect on your overall health and wellbeing as you sit there imagining just all of the potentially horrific things that could be wrong with you!
Underlying And Related Conditions
Some recognized medical conditions can lead to acid reflux or be closely related to it.
Esophagitis
The medical name for your gullet is the esophagus (spelled sometimes as Oesophagus).
Sometimes the cells that line your esophagus can become red, inflamed and quite sore. A common cause of this condition is in fact an acid reflux that irritates the cells. Strangely, when your esophageal cells are in this condition you may feel poorly and paradoxically, this can be mistaken for an acid reflux itself.
These cells differ between people in terms of their sensitivity to acid reflux. Many people that suffer acid reflux may not subsequently suffer from esophagitis to any significant degree. Others may have significant and ongoing discomfort.
Hiatus hernia
This condition arises when part of the stomach breaks through the diaphragm and protrudes forward into the chest area. This condition is known to lead (amongst other symptoms) to an increased likelihood of acid reflux attacks.
The condition requires specific medical treatment that is outside the scope of this article.
Cardiac and digestive illnesses
It cannot be stressed strongly enough that it is relatively rare for acid reflux to indicate a serious underlying cause but even so, it may in some instances be indicative of more serious illnesses. Further medical tests may be necessary to eliminate these unlikely possible causes.
Summary
In the next article we’ll look at some common medical tests and treatments for this condition.
