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This occurs when your stomach contents flow back to the esophagus. Constant reflux causes inflammation. It feels as if whatever you have eaten is being regurgitated. You will wake up vomiting and have a searing pain in your chest.

Symptoms will not abate without treatment. You experience a hot feeling at the back of your breastbone as if you are burning. This sensation can extend as far as the back of your mouth cavity because of wind. A bitter, acid-like taste will pervade your mouth and you will feel as if it is mixed at the same time with food you have eaten lately. Your breath will smell bad and you will feel queasy. You will feel thirsty and want to drink water. Doing so at this point will only make it worse.

This is a very disconcerting and unpleasant condition for the sufferer. If left untreated the symptoms may compound. Various complications can be the result. You could develop peptic esophagitis. With this your esophagus lining becomes ulcerated because of the constant inflammation caused by stomach juices.

You could also suffer from a narrowing of the esophagus. Bleeding may occur. Continuous loss of blood at a slow pace could give you anemia. The latter has its own debilitating symptoms.

Generally the digestive disorder, known as GERD, is characterized by acid reflux and abdominal pain. You could find that you have lost interest in eating. Nausea and vomiting may occur and the whites of your eyes could appear yellow. Indigestion will persist.

The condition is treatable and if precautionary measures are adhered to symptoms can be largely alleviated.

Your doctor may send you to a clinic for a barium meal X-ray to determine the cause of the condition. He will also prescribe medication to halt the reflux and antacids in tablet or liquid form. He may suggest you obtain a soothing Aloe Vera based drink, often used to help reflux sufferers. He will also instruct you to change your habits.

You will have to aid treatment by drinking milky liquids. These help coat the bottom of the esophagus. Milky, lukewarm tea is therapeutic and should be taken often during the day. Light, plain biscuits dipped in your tea and eaten at intervals are beneficial.

If you are carrying excess weight, GERD can be greatly improved by dieting. By reducing your body mass you help the condition immensely. The doctor may put you on a diet for this purpose.

Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing and corsets. Wear your belt slightly loose. Move buttons or leave them undone.

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