Acid reflux results in heartburn, a burning sensation occurring when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. Repeated occurrences of acid reflux might indicate GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
So, what are the causes of disorders due to acid reflux? In this article, we will explain disorders related to acid reflux. Read on!
Source: Acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia
I. What Is Acid Reflux?
Right where your stomach begins, there's a valve - a ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, this valve shuts tightly once food goes through it.
However, if it doesn't close completely or opens too frequently, stomach acid can travel up into your esophagus. This might lead to symptoms like a burning sensation in your chest, often called heartburn.
If you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, it could be a sign of acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What Are the Signs of Acid Reflux?
Common signs of acid reflux include:
- Heartburn: A burning pain or discomfort that may travel from your stomach to your chest, abdomen, or even up to your throat.
- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth.
Additional symptoms of acid reflux disease may involve:
- Bloating
- Burping
- Dysphagia (feeling like food is stuck in your throat)
- Hiccups that persist
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wheezing, a dry cough, hoarseness, or a persistent sore throat
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Chest pain
- Asthma
II. Causes of Acid Reflux Disease
Source: Acid Reflux is a common condition
Acid reflux disease can happen due to various reasons, and here are some common factors that might increase your risk:
1. Stomach Abnormalities
One common cause is a stomach issue known as a hiatal hernia. This can happen to people of any age.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) move above the diaphragm (the muscle wall separating your stomach from your chest).
Normally, the diaphragm helps prevent acid from moving up into your esophagus. However, with a hiatal hernia, it becomes easier for acid to flow into the esophagus.
2. Pregnancy
Many women experience acid reflux during pregnancy for the first time. This is due to increasing hormone levels combined with pressure from the growing fetus. While symptoms are often worse in the third trimester, they usually go away after delivery.
3. Smoking
Smoking can contribute to acid reflux disease by:
- Causing harm to mucous membranes
- Disrupting muscle reflexes in the throat
- Elevating acid secretion
- Reducing LES muscle function
- Reducing salivation, which neutralizes the effect of acid
- Additionally, smoking raises the risk of esophageal cancer.
Smoking also raises the risk of esophageal cancer.
4. Acid reflux foods
Certain foods can trigger symptoms of acid reflux disease. Avoiding these items, especially before lying down, can help prevent heartburn and other discomforts.
Here are some common acid reflux-triggering foods:
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- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons
- Coffee or tea (both regular and decaffeinated)
- Fatty or fried foods
- Foods with tomato, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, or pizza
- Garlic and onions
- Mint
- Spicy foods, including those with chili or curry
Important: Drinking alcohol not only triggers acid reflux but also increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The more you consume, the higher the risk, and combining alcohol with smoking further amplifies the risk compared to using either substance alone.
5. Other Causes of Acid Reflux Disease.
Other common causes of acid reflux disease encompass:
- Being overweight or obese
- Consuming a substantial meal and reclining on your back or bending over at the waist
- Snacking near bedtime or lying down immediately after a meal
- Taking aspirin or ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or specific blood pressure medications
III. How Can A Person Get Rid of Acid Reflux?
Managing and alleviating acid reflux symptoms often involves lifestyle changes, using natural ingredients, and, in other cases.
Here are some strategies to help get rid of acid reflux:
1. Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, and licorice have long been recognized for their potential health benefits. Each of these elements carries unique properties that contribute to overall well-being.
Aloe vera, known for its soothing qualities, may aid in reducing inflammation. It can help cool and calm the digestive tract, reducing discomfort.
Turmeric, rich in curcumin, boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by reducing inflammation in the esophagus. It can be consumed as part of a balanced diet or taken as a supplement.
Licorice, particularly in its deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL), is valued for its potential to soothe the digestive tract. It may help soothe the lining of the stomach and esophagus.
Together, these natural ingredients can the diverse therapeutic potential found in Cumargold the simplicity of nature.
2. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
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- Avoid triggering foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, spicy foods, and fatty or fried items.
- Opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Limit or avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours between your last meal and bedtime.
- Avoid lying down or going to bed immediately after eating.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid consuming large amounts during meals
- Raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus.
- Smoking can contribute to acid reflux; quitting may help alleviate symptoms.
Important: If you have severe strong heartburn, or if it doesn't improve even after trying remedies so consult your doctor.
3. Medications
For many individuals, making lifestyle adjustments along with using over-the-counter medications is sufficient to manage the symptoms of acid reflux disease.
- Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan, work by neutralizing stomach acid. However, excessive use may lead to diarrhea or constipation.
- Opting for antacids containing both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide can help counteract these gastrointestinal side effects.
Your doctor might recommend different types of medications or a combination, including:
- Foaming agents (Gaviscon) create a protective coating in the stomach to prevent reflux.
- H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet) reduce acid production.
- Proton pump inhibitors (Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix) also decrease stomach acid production.
- Prokinetics (Reglan, Urecholine) can strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), expedite stomach emptying, and reduce acid reflux.
Important: Always follow your doctor's advice and avoid combining multiple types of antacids or medications without proper guidance.
4. Surgical Intervention for Treatment
In cases where medications fail to fully alleviate symptoms of acid reflux disease, especially if these symptoms significantly disrupt daily life, your doctor might suggest surgery. There are two types of surgical treatments employed to alleviate symptoms of GERD when daily medication proves ineffective.
In Summary
When someone experiences acid reflux, the contents of their stomach move back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn—a burning sensation caused by stomach acid. If acid reflux occurs frequently, it might indicate GERD.
Now, numerous treatments exist for acid reflux and GERD. Lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy diet, using natural ingredients, exercising, and sleeping with an elevated position, can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms.
