Acid Reflux or Bile Reflux

Although carbonated beverages cause acid reflux, this isn't the only problem that some acid reflux sufferers are faced with. Bile reflux is another unpleasant backflow of fluid that usually accompanies GERD. However, rather than thrusting stomach acid into the esophagus as is the situation with acid reflux, bile reflux throws bile (a digested fluid that is made by the liver) up from the small bowel into the stomach and also esophagus, causing swelling to both.

Simply because that bile reflux and acid reflux can take place together, this means that the particular esophagus is two times as assaulted, which causes much more inflammation to the lining, and sets a person at a and the higher chances for developing problems.

What are the symptoms of bile reflux?

: The signs and symptoms associated with bile reflux are similar to acid reflux, rendering it difficult to distinguish one from the other, particularly when both conditions usually occur simultaneously. That being said, unlike acid reflux, bile reflux causes infection within the stomach, which in turn creates a biting, or burning pain in the upper part of the tummy.

Other symptoms which are characterized by the condition normally include:

- Frequent heartburn symptoms

- Nausea

- Vomiting bile

- An cough or croakiness within the throat

Along with signs and symptoms, bile reflux teamed with acid reflux could eventually create difficulties including:
- Gastritis * This is a complication which is caused by bile reflux alone. Gastritis will be characterized by irritation along with inflammation within the abdomen. Although this isn't typically a serious condition, in some cases it can cause stomach sores, bleeding, and persistent gastritis increases the risk of stomach cancer.
- Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease) : Frequent attacks regarding heartburn may be a manifestation of GERD. This is when a person suffers from chronic acid reflux that may be a potentially serious issue as it may lead to a situation known as esophagitis - the soreness of esophageal tissue.
* Barrett's esophagus - This can be a condition that occurs after long term exposure to stomach acid and/or bile and results in a change regarding color and tissues composition in the lower esophagus. The new cells are resistant to gastric acid but they have an improved risk of becoming malignant.
- Esophageal stricture - Scarring can form in the reduce esophagus, which results via frequent exposure to stomach acid and/or bile. The scar tissue might cause a stricture (a thinning in the tube) be a catalyst for trouble swallowing as well as increase the risk of choking.
: Esophageal cancer - If the esophagus has been exposed to prolonged repetitive gastric acid and/or bile, cancer has the possibility to form practically anywhere along the length of the esophagus. It is a serious and challenging form of cancer to help remedy.

How do you treat bile reflux as well as acid reflux together?

Proton Pump inhibitors -- The best way to treat these conditions, especially for those that suffer from GERD and Barrett's esophagus, is proton water pump inhibitors. These are medications that hopefully will block acid creation. These meds will often also help reduce the results of duodenogastric reflux (bile reflux).

Ursodexycholic acid * This is the most common medication for treating bile reflux. Ursodexycholic acid helps you to encourage bile flow.

Other medications - In the event that bile reflux is the result of the actual stomach taking too long to empty, some other drugs may be prescribed to improve the stream of food through the stomach

The real issue with biliary reflux is that it is hard to manipulate. Unlike acid reflux which can be managed through diet and lifestyle alterations, bile reflux can really only be governed through specific prescription drugs or by medical procedures in severe instances. Unfortunately, sometimes even soon after treatment, bile reflux continues to plague sufferers. Thus, bile reflux may need to be treated individually from acid reflux.