Acid reflux is a medical condition involving stomach acids flowing back into the oesophagus. The acid moves up (refluxes) when your lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle at the bottom of your food pipe, relaxes at the wrong time. Usually, this muscle acts like a one-way valve. It allows food to pass into the stomach, squeeze shut to keep food, and acid in the stomach. Nevertheless, you can consult your doctor for effective heartburn treatment if you have the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of reflux disease?
A burning sensation in your chest, called heartburn, is the most common symptom. However, other indications may include-
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Dry cough (especially at night)
- Hoarseness
- Chronic sore throat
- Bad breath
If you experience these signs and symptoms, you should talk to your doctor for heartburn treatment.
What causes acid reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition. It is characterized by the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the oesophagus. In addition, the main factors, which trigger GERD, are as follows-
Incompetent lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)
A weak LES fails to close properly. It enables stomach acid and bile from the digestive system to travel backward into the food pipe. However, the LES is a ring of muscle fibres. It is located at the bottom of the stomach valve, above the stomach.
Delayed emptying of the stomach
When food stays in your stomach longer than usual, it can cause heartburn. It increases the amount of time food stays in the stomach. In the meanwhile, the acid may also flow back into the oesophagus. Moreover, other things that can delay emptying of the stomach include-
- Eating certain types of foods
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Your doctor may recommend effective acid reflux treatment while considering your condition.
Increased production of stomach acid
Certain medications can accelerate the production of stomach acid. They are blood pressure medicines and tricyclic antidepressants. Moreover, certain foods and beverages can also prompt the body to make more acid. They include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, chocolate, and citrus fruits.
Obesity
Being obese is a major risk factor for GERD. Excess body fat increases pressure on the abdomen and pushes up the stomach. When this occurs, it narrows the opening of the food pipe. Furthermore, it becomes difficult for food to pass through the digestive tract smoothly.
Losing weight can help with your heartburn treatment.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women experience acid reflux for the first time. Some pregnant women notice burning sensation in late pregnancy. It occurs at night when they lie down. Moreover, pregnant women may also notice such uneasiness after meals. This condition is called supine reflux. Pregnancy hormones cause relaxation of the muscles in the stomach valve. It allows stomach acid to enter the oesophagus more easily.
Hiatal hernia
Certain parts of the upper digestive tract are located in an area of the body called the abdomen. The upper part of this area is known as the diaphragm. It divides the chest cavity from the tummy. Moreover, the diaphragm contains a small, dome-shaped muscle called the oesophageal hiatus. Usually, this opening is closed tightly by the LES. It put a stop to stomach acid from inflowing the food pipe. However, part of the upper stomach may protrude through this opening into your chest.
This disease is known as a hiatal hernia. In addition, Hiatal hernias are common during middle age. The supporting structures of the diaphragm weaken with age. For this reason, this condition is more likely to occur in women than in men.
If you have such a disease, your doctor may prescribe heartburn treatment, which may support your existing condition too.
Infections
Some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease also develop inflammation or irritation near their LES. It can be a result of an infection. When inflamed tissue in the wrong place secretes chemicals to fight infection, acid reflux occurs.
What are effective medications for reflux diseases?
Antacids
Antacids are the most common medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease. They provide quick relief from symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid. Moreover, popular antacids include-
- Gaviscon
- Maalox
- Mylanta
- Rolaids
- Tums
Use these products for not more than 15 days.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective GERD medications. You can use them for the long term. They trim down the quantity of acid created in the stomach. Moreover, they provide 24-hour relief from acid reflux. It may take 1-2 weeks before you see their complete effect. However, popular PPIs include-
- Prilosec
- Prevacid
- Protonix
- Nexium
H2 blockers
H2 blockers can reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Moreover, they help with your heartburn treatment. They work faster than PPIs. However, they only provide relief for two to four hours. Popular H2 blockers include-
- Pepcid
- Tagamet
- Zantac
When is surgery for GERD appropriate?
Anti-reflux surgery is considered a last resort for people who do not respond to medication. Moreover, doctors recommend surgery for people who have serious complications. The two major forms of acid reflux surgery are-
- Nissen fundoplication
- LINX reflux system
These surgeries work by tightening a part of the stomach (the lower oesophageal sphincter). LES unwraps to let food go into the stomach. However, this surgery is often effective in eliminating or reducing the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
How can you prevent reflux disease?
Preventing and reducing your risk for gastroesophageal reflux diseases starts with your lifestyle. Additionally, you can attempt these tips-
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals to reduce the amount of pressure put on the stomach.
- Eat slowly and avoid lying down right after a meal.
- Lift up the head of your bed and fall asleep on your left side. Doing so can help with your heartburn treatment.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages. They can irritate the lining of your oesophagus and promote acid reflux.
- Avoid greasy and spicy foods.
- Manage your body mass if you are obese.
- Control nicotine addiction.
- If you are taking a medication, which causes reflux issues, talk to your doctor about what you can do on your own to reduce the risk of complications.
What should you do when your symptoms do not improve?
However, see your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after these lifestyle changes. Your doctor may recommend medications that reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Moreover, he or she may also work to heal your injuries caused by the disease.
Living a healthy lifestyle may help prevent or reduce the risk of developing acid reflux. Nevertheless, talk to your doctor if you are concerned about symptoms and heartburn treatment.
