Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition when acidic gastrointestinal juices flow backwards and upwards and enter the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, which is often referred to as heartburn. If this is a recurrent phenomenon, occurring about twice a week or more, it is considered a disease condition. The acid reflux disease is medically known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. You can help yourself by having a health insurance plan that covers the said condition.

Immediate Cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The immediate cause of GERD is when the sphincter valve at the entrance of the stomach does not close all the way, after opening to let food in. Alternatively, this may happen because this valve opens too often. When this happens, gastric juices move into the oesophagus, instead of being contained in the stomach.

Underlying Causes of GERD

Hiatal hernia is said to be one of the most common causes of GERD. While the diaphragm generally separates the chest from the stomach, in the case of hiatal hernia, there occurs an opening, or hiatus in the diaphragm. The stomach then bulges into the chest cavity, a condition called hiatal hernia. The pressure on the stomach due to the abnormal positioning, results in the malfunctioning of the sphincter muscles, as a result of which the gastric juices move upwards.

Factors Influencing Acid Reflux

People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of having incidences of acid reflux than a lean person. Lying on your back after a heavy meal, bending down after a heavy meal, sleeping or lying down right after a meal, or simply eating a very heavy meal can also lead to a bout of acid reflux. Snacking just before bedtime is also a trigger.

Depending on your constitution, certain foods may aggravate and increase the episodes of acid reflux. Foods such as citrus fruits, tomato, garlic, onions, spicy foods, oily foods or those high in fat, as well as chocolate are associated with acid reflux attacks. Beverages such as coffee, tea, alcohol, carbonated drinks  and smoking  also aggravate the condition of acid reflux.

Certain medications such as aspirin or those containing ibuprofen, medicines taken to control blood pressure and muscle relaxants are also known to trigger acid reflux.

During pregnancy, one is also more likely to suffer from acid reflux.

Symptoms

The symptoms most associated with the acid reflux disease are heartburn - a burning sensation starting in the stomach and then moving to the chest. Sometimes this burning or discomfort may go right up to the throat. Another commonly associated symptom is a bitter, acidic taste rising up to the throat and mouth.

Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, especially in the abdominal region, excessive burping or continuous hiccups. In addition, blackened or bloody stools, feeling of nausea, bloody vomiting, a sensation of food remaining stuck in the throat, and unexplained weight loss also are some of the symptoms that indicate GERD. A chronic sore throat, a dry cough and wheezing could also be an indication of GERD, if not explained by any other disease. In other cases, symptoms also may include trouble swallowing, inflammation of the vocal cords, suddenly being diagnosed with asthma, or a worsening of asthma if you already have it.

Treatment

Acid reflux can usually be addressed with lifestyle changes. In more serious cases, medication may be needed, many of which are available as OTC drugs. It is only in very extreme cases that one requires surgery.

a.  Lifestyle Changes

A quick look at the factors that bring on incidents of acid reflux or aggravate the issue will help one infer the simple lifestyle changes that can bring about a significant amount of relief for those prone to bouts of acid reflux. In any case, even if you have not been prone to such bouts, the chances are that if you are not careful, you are likely to suffer isolated attacks now and then, especially as you grow older. Here are some of dos and don’ts:

i. Do not overeat. Eat small and manageable portions, not heavy meals.

ii. Do not keep lengthy gaps between meals.

iii. Do not lie down immediately after a meal - keep a gap of at least three hours. If you need a nap after your lunch or after a day time meal, try sitting in a chair and napping.

iv. Avoid spicy food as well as oily foods and fatty foods.

v. Avoid foods that give you discomfort. For people prone to acid reflux, foods such as citrus fruits, chillies etc may aggravate the system. By a process of trial and error, and maintaining a food diary, eliminate those foods that trigger an attack for you.

vi. Do not smoke. Quit the habit.

vii. Do not wear tight clothes or tighten your belt too much. This will put pressure on the abdomen and increase the likelihood of an acid reflux attack.

viii. Keep your weight under control. If you are overweight, take steps to lose weight. However, do not take any drastic measures or adopt any drastic changes in your diet plan.  

b.  Medication

There are several over the counter medicines available for the treatment of acid reflux. Most common are antacids such as Eno, Digene, Gelusil, Gaviscon, Ayucid, Gasex and several others. Usage of some OTC medication may also be accompanied by either diarrhoea or constipation, especially if frequently used. Antacids containing both aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are the preferred course of treatment. If you are on any other medication, it is best to consult a doctor before purchasing self-medication. It is also best to consult a doctor, if you find that the common OTC antacids are not helping.

c.  Surgery

Surgery is the last resort in severe cases of acid reflux. If in spite of lifestyle changes such as bringing your weight under control, and following all the recommended dos and don’ts, and simple medication, there is no relief, the doctor may recommend surgery.

Acid reflux is fairly common for someone after middle-age, who continues to eat spicy, hot and heavy meals and is overweight. Simple medication and lifestyle changes can address the issue in most cases. Surgery is only recommended if conventional treatment fails.