Acid reflux is a condition where acid from the stomach flows up into your oesophagus. It can cause a burning sensation in the chest, rising to the throat. Moreover, it sometimes accompanies a sour taste. Another term for this health problem is Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Most cases appear to be caused by a malfunctioning lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). It is the stomach valve, which opens up to let the food in and closes as soon as the content reaches the stomach. However, in the case of GERD, it does not close properly, allowing the stomach acid to flow back up. Nevertheless, effective remedies for heartburn can help manage your symptoms. You should discuss with your doctor if you have such a condition.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease is a burning sensation in the chest and throat. However, other symptoms can include-
- Sour taste in the mouth
- A bitter taste
- Dry cough
- Nausea
The urge to belch or vomit sometimes accompanies vomiting. In addition, people may also experience regurgitation of food eaten within 1 to 2 hours before symptoms start. Regurgitation is when your food comes back up towards your mouth after you have swallowed it down. Nevertheless, consult with your doctor for acid reflux treatment if these symptoms trouble you.
What are the risk factors for GERD?
Many things can increase your risk of developing reflux diseases. These include-
Being overweight or obese
Excess weight around the stomach puts pressure on the LES. It makes the stomach valve more likely to open. Consequently, the stomach acid flows back to the oesophagus. However, managing your weight is a favourable step towards your treatment.
Eating large or spicy meals
This habit can overload the digestive system. It puts pressure on the stomach valve. As a result, it can become fragile.
Drinking alcohol or caffeine
Drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol can relax the LES. It leads to heartburn.
Smoking
Smoking reduces the amount of saliva produced. This saliva helps break down food. However, when you smoke, it makes your digestive poor. It increases your risk of developing acid reflux. On the other hand, if you quit smoking, it will help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Taking certain medications
Some medications can cause a hiatus hernia. Moreover, they can also worsen heartburn. A hiatus hernia is a condition where the stomach bulges up through the diaphragm and into the chest.
How can you treat gastroesophageal reflux diseases?
Some simple lifestyle changes can lend you a hand in relieving mild symptoms of GERD. However, if your symptoms are severe, you must look for a doctor. Some effective lifestyle adjustments are-
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding spicy and fatty foods
- Avoiding drinks containing caffeine or alcohol
Quitting smoking
If your symptoms are more severe, you may need medication to manage them. Many different medications can help ease acid reflux symptoms. However, some of the frequently prescribed ones are-
Antacids
Antacids work by neutralizing the stomach acid. However, you should not use them for more than a few weeks at a time.
H2 antagonists
H2 antagonists reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Some common medications under this drug class are cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs hinder the creation of stomach acid. The most frequent medications under this drug class are omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.
Prokinetics
Prokinetics work by increasing the movement in your digestive system. It reduces symptoms associated with delayed digestion or stomach emptying.
Your doctor may prescribe one or a combination of medications for acid reflux. However, the treatment method may also rely upon your causes.
How can you prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Many things can help prevent this disease. Moreover, they may sometimes reduce your symptoms if you already have them. Some preventive steps are-
Lose weight if you are overweight
Managing your weight will reduce the pressure on your stomach. It will ultimately reduce the risk of reflux diseases.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
This habit will reduce the amount of food. Consequently, it will cut off the pressure in your stomach.
Avoid eating late at night
Eating shortly before bedtime can increase the risk of GERD. Therefore, avoid late-night snacking to ease acid reflux symptoms.
Avoid lying down after eating
Try to wait at least two hours after eating before lying down. This habit will help reduce the amount of stomach acid, which can flow back to your food pipe.
Don’t wear tight clothing
Wearing tight clothes may increase the pressure on your stomach. They push it up into your chest, which increases the chances of heartburn.
Quit smoking
Smoking also increases your risk of developing quit smoking and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make. It will not only help with your treatment. However, the positive changes may improve your entire life.
How can you relieve acid reflux at home?
You can do a few things at home to relieve heartburn. However, you can look at the following-
Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking fluids may help dilute the stomach acid. It diminishes the threat of stomach irritation.
Take over-the-counter antacids
Antacids can help to neutralize stomach acid. They provide relief from symptoms.
Suck on a piece of ice
Doing so can cool down the area around your chest. It may provide relief to acid reflux symptoms.
Raise the head of your bed
Prop up the head of your bed. Doing so can reduce symptoms associated with the disease. However, consider it a short-term solution unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Raise the head of your chair
If your job also requires you to sit all day at a desk, it’s time to make some changes. Then raise your chair, so you are slightly higher than the desk. It also takes some of the pressure off your stomach. Moreover, it may also increase circulation, helping you digest food easily. Good digestion ultimately also promotes your healing.
