On the surface, heartburn and a stuffy nose might not seem related but there is recent evidence that suggests there may be a connection between acid reflux and sinus problems.
If you acid reflux sometimes called GERD is a result of your stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. This happens because a little valve in between the esophagus and stomach isn’t functioning properly and is allowing the acids and food to back up. Your stomach acids are very strong but the stomach is made in such a way that he can easily handle the acids the esophagus, however, is not made to handle your stomach acids and when this backup occurs your body sends out alarm signals in order to minimize the damage.
These alarm signals cause the body to do certain things in order to protect itself and one of the things is to produce extra mucus. The mucus will take away the caustic nature of the asset and neutralize the damage as well as stop the acid from spreading further up the esophagus. The funny thing is that sometimes when this is happening it actually stops the heartburn symptoms so you might not even know you’re having acid reflux!
It is this mucus production that causes the possible connection between acid reflux and sinus problems as mucus production is stepped up in the sinuses as well. The sinuses themselves act like a big filter for the air that you breathe in and usually have a thin layer of mucus which is used to moisten the air as well as trap pollutants. The problem comes when there is too much mucus produced the sinuses get clogged up and can’t drain properly causing sinusitis.
So if you often experience sinus problems together with GERD or acid reflux consider the possibility that the two might be related. It’s important any way to treat your acid reflux probably and see a doctor so that you can be diagnosed and put on a treatment plan. You probably also have to make some dietary changes including avoiding spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods and perhaps even caffeine in combination beverages.
You can also help you sinuses out by making sure you take good care of them. One way that you can help clean them out its with a little device called a Neti pot. This looks almost like a little tiny watering can and you fill it up with a warm water mixture and pour it into your nose all the way up into your sinuses. This flushes out your whole nasal cavity and sinuses and could help relieve excess mucus.
While evidence shows it could be a connection between acid reflux and sinus problems, it’s no guarantee that if you experience on both that they are connected. So it’s in your best interest to make your best effort to treat each one properly. Then you can restore your body to better state of health which will allow you to enjoy each day more.
Get the latest on acid reflux disease by visiting http://www.acidrefluxillness.com - a website that offers information and articles on acid reflux symptoms and treatments as well as little known facts such as the connection between acid reflux and sinus problems.
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