Acid reflux is a condition wherein stomach acid flows up the esophagus, causing heartburn and chest discomfort. This happens when the sphincter muscle situated at the lower end of the esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, causing stomach acid to go up into the esophagus. Those who struggle with acid reflux more than twice a week are usually diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This article sheds light on the condition’s symptoms, causes, and management.
What is acid reflux?
The stomach produces certain acids to help digest food. Usually, the esophagus or the food pipe allows substances to flow from the mouth to the stomach in only one direction. The end of the esophagus connects to the stomach with a ring of muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This opens when food passes from the esophagus to the stomach and closes later.
In some cases, the LES may remain slightly open or get weaker, leading to contents from the stomach flowing back up. When the stomach acids flow from the stomach into the esophagus, it causes acid reflux.
Acid reflux occasionally occurs in most adults, especially after a big meal, but it becomes problematic and uncomfortable if it happens often.
When someone struggles with heartburn and chest discomfort multiple times a week, the person is diagnosed to have GERD.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
Some of the common symptoms of acid reflux are mentioned below:
- Heartburn
This is a burning sensation in the middle of the upper thorax. - Regurgitation
This occurs when the partially digested food, mixed with acid, rises back up through the throat, sometimes into the mouth. - Chest discomfort
The condition may cause sensations of chest heaviness and pain. - Dysphagia
Another symptom that points toward the condition is the feeling of food being stuck in the throat.
A few other common symptoms are a sore throat, throat pain, and dry cough because of constant exposure to stomach acids.
What are the causes and risk factors of acid reflux?
One of the main causes of acid reflux is a condition called hiatal hernia. In this condition, a part of the stomach and the LES slide through the diaphragm to the upper part of the chest. This condition can definitely cause acid reflux, and individuals with it might have to undergo a surgical procedure to resolve the issue.
There are many other risk factors for the condition too. These include age, i.e., the older one is, the higher are their chances of developing acid reflux, a meal regimen that includes excessive greasy, fatty, and spicy foods, having visceral fat, being pregnant, and indulging in destructive, addictive habits that affect the lungs.
When does acid reflux become problematic?
Acid reflux, when it occurs occasionally, is not dangerous or harmful to the body. However, when a person develops heartburn and related discomfort regularly, it becomes chronic GERD, and this can cause the problems below.
- Barrett’s esophagus
This is a condition that is caused due to regular exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. As a result, the acid can erode and damage the lining of the esophagus. - Esophageal cancer
Chronic GERD may lead to Barrett’s esophagus, and this, in turn, can lead to esophageal cancer. - Esophagitis
This is a condition that is also a result of constant exposure to stomach acid. The esophagus develops ulcers, and it becomes very difficult to swallow food.
Lifestyle changes to help manage acid reflux
Those who find themselves struggling with heartburn and regurgitation should try out these lifestyle changes to help handle the condition effectively.
Weight management
Patients who fall on the higher end of the bodyweight scale should reduce their weight to manage acid reflux.
Portion sizes
Avoid eating large portions of food at a time. Try and divide the meals into multiple smaller portions to prevent triggering acid reflux.
Last meal
Eat at least two hours before bedtime. This gives the body enough time to digest the food and prevents the stomach contents from coming up.
Sleeping positions
Those who struggle with acid reflux at night can try placing their head at an elevated angle. They can put wooden blocks under the bedposts to give the upper body a natural elevation. Pillows flatten over the course of the night and are not that effective.
Types of fats to eat
Eating the right kind of fats is crucial to managing the condition. Picking unsaturated fats and consuming them during the day can help, as the body has time to digest them. It is vital to stay away from saturated and trans fats.
Get rid of addictive habits
Those addicted to substances and habits that harm the lungs should quit these habits, as they can aggravate the condition and result in reflux retriggers.
Maintaining a food diary and identifying triggers
Maintain a food diary. Notice what kinds of foods lead to excessive heartburn and try and stay away from these foods in the future.
Exercise
Try being physically active. This is proven to help reduce the intensity of acid reflux.
Acid reflux can be easily managed with the right lifestyle changes and treatment options. Handling the condition early improves the chance of complete recovery.