Acid reflux disease or GERD, as you may have heard in the media is, at least for me, a catch all phrase for mild to chronic indigestion. I do not have an ulcer. I do not have H-pylori and I do not have heartburn, per se, but I am and have been since I was 19-years old, treated for acid reflux disease.

In my case I have been told by doctor after doctor that my symptoms are not usual for heartburn. Since I am always looking to loose weight, feeling famished all the time is not a good thing. I know I am not starving because I have just eaten a huge meal when it happens or I could have had a small meal. It happens anyway -- unless I take pills for heartburn. I have an over productive acid producing stomach system. I can also begin my morning with a desire to eat a 3-course meal.

Acid reflux is more than just a nuisance. People who have untreated chronic indigestion or heartburn do not realize that the lining of their esophagus is at risk of being eaten away or worse getting cancer. In simple terms the esophagus is a tube that is approximately 9 inches long that connects your pharynx (throat) to your stomach. The reflux part of this disease is acid, bile, and pepsin that is up-chucked into your throat and burns away at the lining of your throat. My reflux just makes me feel very hungry even when I know I am not.

A quick visit to the corner druggist could be all you need to do to solve this persistent ailment. Speak to the druggist. Tell them of your symptoms and they will suggest the latest over the counter remedies. Zantac and Prilosec as well as others non prescription medications are available to treat GERD. The stores keep these expensive medications locked up and you will need a clerk to dispense them. These were once only prescribed medications. They are now available in 30-day supply packaged. The packages can cost more than thirty dollars at some drug stores but well worth the relief.

If this does not work after a few weeks then you should see a doctor. No way around it. An internist or a gastrologist, stomach doctor, is what you need to seek. Insurance plans can make suggestion of who is on your plan and in network. Word to the wise - make sure the doctor and the testing facility are both in network or you can get hosed. These tests involving stomach acids like a lower GI's, CAT scans etc are expensive so make sure you protect yourself.
Treatment could be as simple as a more powerful prescription drug like Prevacid or something else. No matter. You should get looked at immediately!
Those that have acid reflux usually never get over it.I guess you could say there is no cure.They must learn to live with it like I did. I take one pill a day since I was 19 and sweat by it.

Most of the time after a meal is when you will expect to have symptoms.Think about how your stomachs tarts to digest the meal you just consumed and needs those acids to break the substances down so that it can be absorbed by your system. People vary on how badly they feel. Upon occasion acid reflux been confused as a heart in some sufferers. Other may only vomit into their throats. I just feel hungry. I am more than pleased my symptoms are not more severe. Don't sit around and not get help. This is not the time to stick your head in the sand. From all statistics it will not subside with time only get worse.

I had a Tums devouring brother who didn't realize he had a serious problem until I finally asked him what was the deal. He said he hadn't noticed how much he depended on Rolaids and Tums.He takes a pill a day (and sometimes two on Thanksgiving of Super Bowel Sunday) and he doesn't feel the symptoms anymore.

The author spent years studying natural solutions for heartburn. If you are suffering from acid reflux disease, be sure to follow this link for solutions for acid reflux.