Acid Reflux
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux,
sometimes known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), is an annoying and
sometimes painful condition that occurs when acid and other materials in the
stomach back up--reflux--into your esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular
tube that leads from your throat to your stomach.
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.
What Causes Acid
Reflux?
Acid reflux is usually blamed on a defective lower
esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a tough rim of muscle that
surrounds the lower end of the esophagus. When food is eaten, the sphincter
contracts strongly to push the food into the stomach.
Acid reflux
occurs when the sphincter is not strong enough to force the food into the
stomach, or when the sphincter does not push and simply relaxes, allowing food
and chemicals in the stomach to rush back into the esophagus.
Other
culprits associated with acid reflux include a hiatal hernia and a "weak" or
"slow" esophagus that doesn't contract strongly enough to move the food to the
stomach in a timely manner.
How Is Acid Reflux Treated?
Doctors usually suggest lifestyle changes first. These changes might
include eating smaller meals, losing excess weight, abstaining from alcohol and
cigarettes, staying up and active for at least a couple of hours after meals,
and sleeping with your head elevated.
In addition, there are
over-the-counter medications available to ease symptoms. Some, like Pepcid and
Zantac are called Histamine Receptor Antagonists. They work by decreasing the
amount of acid in the stomach. Other medicines, like Mylanta and Tagamet, work
to neutralize acid.
Finally, if there is still no relief from
symptoms, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and
Prevacid. These medicines prevent the release of acid into the stomach and
intestines. Finally, promotility agents, such as Reglan, may be used to force
the esophagus to empty more quickly and to speed digestion.
If you are
experiencing acid reflux, talk to your doctor to determine which treatment
options are best for you.
Recent
Acid Reflux Articles
Some Tips For An Acid Reflux Diet
Before
turning to harsh medications, most doctors suggest that people with acid reflux
problems make some lifestyle changes. Adopting a diet that reduces acid reflux
is one very useful and simple change that people can make.
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is
associated with several unpleasant symptoms. They may even disappear for a few
weeks, but they eventually come back. Once acid reflux is diagnosed, it is
considered a lifelong condition and should be treated as such.
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