i was just told that i have acid reflux in lower esophogus. can someone tell what it is, or what i should do?

Question

the doctors office called and told me this. i have an appt to see him in 2 days to talk about things. they ran tests and xrays and this was the culprit of my problem.

Answer 1

Acid reflux is when your stomach acid goes beyond your stomach esophagus valve and into your esophagus creating intense heartburn. After awhile your valve will not close completely and you will have scar tissue build up in your esophagus. Many people have what is called GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disorder) after many years of not controlling what they eat ( w/ just maalox for example), or being more prone to the condition for other reasons. It is important to eat low acid/sugar/fat foods and drinks to keep it in check. Know your body and keep a food diary if you can. Many people take over the counter drugs to combat the problem. These can work well but with side effects for some. Taking alot of fluids thinking it will help if you are having an 'attack' is not true. Try putting a 6 oz glass of water in the fridge. The very cold water should help more than any glass of milk or tap water. Tums is ok in moderation. Do not eat 5 hrs before bed. Try snacking every 2-3 hrs instead of 3 decent sized meals a day. Try taking probiotics. See your doc again if it continues and isn't getting better. I was misdiagnosed with acid reflux and had major gallbladder probs instead. By the time it was found I was very sick and put on emergency list for surgery. Best of luck, I know i could say alot more but I hope this helps a little atleast. :-)

Answer 2

Who told you? If it was a doctor, he should have told you what it means and what to do for it. If it wasn't a doctor, I would suggest that you get a doctor's care and advice. Acid reflux is acid from the stomach coming up into the esophagus. Thare are medications available to alleviate the problem and help to cure damage to the esophagus. You need to have guidance from a competent medical practitioner to give the correct answer for treatment that will work for you.

Answer 3

The esophagus’s inner lining, or mucosa, normally consists of flat cells (known as squamous cells) which are similar to those of the skin. When this squamous cell lining is replaced by other cells that have a more cube-like shape, the condition is known as Barrett's esophagus or the columnar-lined esophagus, referring to cells that are shaped like a column. When Barrett's esophagus is present, the columnar lining extends from the junction of the esophagus and stomach upwards into the esophagus for a variable distance ranging from a few centimeters to nearly the entire length of the esophagus. When the normal squamous lining cells of the esophagus are replaced by columnar cells, the process is known as metaplasia. Barrett's esophagus is a form of metaplasia. Barrett's esophagus usually doesn't produce any specific symptoms on its own. People with chronic acid reflux problems may experience a variety of symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation of food, swallowing difficulties, excess belching, hoarseness, sore throat, cough, or breathing problems similar to asthma such as shortness of breath and wheezing. The columnar lining may become irritated and bleed, resulting in anemia (low blood count), or may develop ulcerations which cause pain, but these problems aren't common. The main reason that it's useful to know whether you have Barrett's esophagus is that this is a premalignant condition, meaning that patients with Barrett's esophagus have a higher-than-average risk of getting cancer. Cancers can arise from regions of Barrett's mucosa containing intestinal metaplasia. The abnormal mucosa degenerates into a premalignant phase known as dysplasia. In some patients this dysplastic mucosa will further degenerate in a step-wise process from low-grade dysplasia into high-grade dysplasia and then cancer, often during an interval of several years. If you have Barrett's esophagus it's important that you consult with your physician about endoscopy to evaluate for the risk or existence of cancer. Patients with Barrett's esophagus should have endoscopy performed every 1 to 3 years, a practice known as surveillance endoscopy. The exact risk of a patient with Barrett's esophagus developing cancer is not known. Current estimates put the risk at 40 times higher than normal. Although the risk of cancer is increased, the chances of getting a cancer are quite small.

Answer 4

I think it means the acids in your stomach are backing up into your esophagus. Treatments are usually to eat blander foods, less coffee, cokes,etc. Also antiacids can be helpful. Previcid is usually the first choice and is available over the counter.

Good luck.

Answer 5

It is when the stomach contents come back up into the esophagus causing burning. The stomach has a lining to prevent the burning but esophagus does not. Why didn't you ask you doctor these questions?? Don't know if there is medicine--I would think that there is.

Answer 6

I've had this condition for 5 years. I take one Nexium each day. I have an annual gastroscopy.