Nearly all of us have experienced heartburn at one time or another. There is the all too familiar burning in the chest that may be accompanied by an acidic taste in the mouth. Usually we can pop an antacid or two and be done with it. However, when people find that heartburn is occurring much more frequently – perhaps twice a week or more it has become a regular problem which is known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux. Acid reflux by itself is not serious, but frequent attacks over a period of time can result in damage to the lining of the esophagus. Because of this, it is important to find effective treatment for acid reflux as son as possible.
When you eat, food travels from the mouth, through the esophagus and into the stomach. In the stomach, digestive acids will break the food down so that nutrients can be absorbed into the body from the intestines and waste can be eliminated. At the base of the esophagus, there is a circular ring that is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is responsible for closing the opening between the esophagus and the stomach once the food passes through. When the LES doesn't close properly, food particles and digestive juices can back up into the esophagus. Since the esophageal lining is not designed to withstand the harsh acids, burning and discomfort can result. Frequent bouts result in acid reflux, and often require treatment to protect this delicate lining. If left untreated, acid reflux can cause damage to the esophagus which could possibly lead up to esophageal cancer. When the acid moves up into the esophagus the burning sensation you experience is actually causing irritation to the lining of the esophagus. People who have chronic acid reflux will usually keep this irritation because they never have a chance for it to heal. Continuous irritation can lead to permanent damage. Most times during acid reflux, the materials from the stomach remain in the lower part of the esophagus, where they can cause heartburn and nausea. Over time, they can also cause damage to the esophagus. Occasionally, the stomach materials will back up all the way into your mouth. When this happens, the acid will cause a burning sensation in your throat, and you may even find small, undigested pieces of food in your mouth. Occasionally everybody will get heartburn but this does not mean they have acid reflux. Simple heartburn is usually easy to treat with Tums or Rolaids and may be associated with eating a large meal or a meal which is high in spices. If heartburn begins to occur on a regular basis, such as two or more times a week, there is the probability that acid reflux has developed. Controlling Acid Reflux Symptoms Anyone who is experiencing symptoms needs to take notice and try to take steps to avoid them. For many people a small change of habits will solve the problem. When you eat, our stomach produces acid to help in the digestion of the food. Try to avoid eating just before bedtime. You should allow your body two to three hours to digest the food before lying down. The same goes for taking a daytime nap. Try not to eat a large meal. The more food you eat, the more acid needed to digest it. Eating smaller meals on a more frequent basis is best for acid reflux as well as an aid in weight control. Try not to eat foods that are high in fat. Limit caffeine intake; this includes chocolate, coffee, and cola. Avoid spicy foods including tomatoes and foods that contain tomatoes. Citrus foods such as orange and lemon are high in acid and will cause irritation to the esophagus if consumed on a regular basis. Avoid products that contain alcohol and tobacco. Having an occasional drink will probably not do any harm but drinking on a regular basis greatly increases your risk for acid reflux. If possible, raise the head of your bed. This raises your head above your stomach and makes it more difficult for the acid to rise into the esophagus. When standing, always keep in mind you need to practice good posture. This not only helps keep the symptoms of acid reflux at bay, it also helps to prevent muscle pain. How Is Acid Reflux Treated? The most common way to treat heartburn is with an over the counter antacid that will work quickly and effectively. However, acid reflux may require a different type of medication that will either treat the heartburn for a longer period of time or prevent it from occurring in the first place. For longer relief, many people turn to H-2-receptor blockers like Tagamet and Pepcid. These medications actually reduce the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach to provide longer relief. Another option is a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec. These medicines will block the production of acid, giving the lining of the esophagus time to heal. If you are experiencing acid reflux, talk to your doctor to determine which treatment options are best for you. |
