You are in a very important meeting and just about to close the biggest business deal of your career. You should be feeling great but you can barely manage a smile. The burning pain in your esophagus and throat is almost too much to bear. The stress of the deal and food from lunch have combined to give you heartburn, at least that is what you think it is but in reality you have acid reflux syndrome.

Acid reflux syndrome sounds like a serious disease and lets face it, it can be if left untreated. It is serious if it interferes with your lifestyle and well-being. Acid reflux syndrome will affect your job performance and your relationship with others. Many people think they just have a more severe form of heartburn or indigestion. The symptoms of acid reflux syndrome are similar to both heartburn and indigestion and include pressure in the stomach and chest, intense heartburn pain, indigestion, bad breath with a foul or bad taste in your mouth, hoarseness, persistent sore throat and cough. More advanced symptoms include difficulty or pain during swallowing. A good number of people will be in denial as to the extent of their symptoms and disease.

Ignoring acid reflux syndrome will most likely add to further problems and complications. The easiest way to ascertain your condition is make an appointment with your physician for a correct diagnosis. An exam and tests will determine the amount of scarring of the esophagus and damage to the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). Prolonged and persistent acid reflux can lead more serous problems like GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) or cancer. Just like any other health problem the earlier you address the problems of acid reflux syndrome the more likely you will have a positive outcome from treatment.

Acid reflux syndrome like heartburn and indigestion symptoms can be reduced by simple but sometimes tough lifestyle changes. The hardest but the most effective change you can make is to quit smoking. Smoking causes the LES to become relaxed letting acid from the stomach to reflux or flow back up into the esophagus and in severe case into the larynx. Remember frequent acid reflux causes scaring and thus the body's repair of scare tissue increases the risk of GERD and cancer. If you needed another reason to quit smoking than preventing acid reflux syndrome is it. Additional lifestyle changes that will reduce your acid reflux syndrome and its symptoms include eating more and smaller meals each day, not eating for at least 3 hours before retiring for bed, a daily routine of exercise to reduce stress and increase digestive function and of course avoiding all the foods and drinks that have caused your acid reflux symptoms to flare up. I am sure you know everyone by heart.

Ignoring acid reflux syndrome symptoms can lead to further complications and make your life miserable. It is up to you to take charge of your life and address the root causes of your affliction. You cannot do this on your own. You should employ the assistance of medical professionals that treat Acid reflux syndrome to assure that you are taking the proper corrective measures to cure your acid reflux syndrome. The sooner you address your problem with acid reflux syndrome the sooner your symptoms will be controlled.