Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is also commonly called acid reflux. Irritating the lining to the esophagus can cause discomfort and a variety of symptoms. Although occasional acid reflux is common and often easily controlled by changes in diet and lifestyle, chronic acid reflux can sometimes be a sign of something more serious (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD).
Causes of Acid Reflux
Several factors can contribute to the development of acid reflux, including:
Dietary Habits
Spicy foods, chocolate, fat or fried foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine and alcohol are foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux. Eating large meals and eating close to bedtime can increase risk of acid reflux, too.
Obesity
Extra pounds — being overweight or obese — can also pile on the pressure to the stomach, which can push stomach acid into the esophagus and cause acid reflux.
Hiatal Hernia
If part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, it’s known as a hiatal hernia. This makes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the muscle that keeps acid from moving back up into the esophagus — weaker.
Pregnancy
Acid reflux may develop later in pregnancy in a few people, due to hormonal changes and added pressure on the abdomen.
Smoking
It makes acid reflux more likely by smoking, weakens the LES and increases acid production in the stomach.
Medications
Referring to certain drugs as trigger foods, some meds such as painkillers, blood pressure meds, aspirin, ibuprofen, and muscle relaxers relax the LES or make it sensitive to irritation.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Heartburn
The most common symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest or throat, usually following a meal or when you lie down.
Regurgitation
This happens when stomach acid, or food backs up into the mouth, producing a sour or bitter taste.
Difficulty Swallowing
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) can cause the esophagus to narrow making swallowing difficult or painful.
Chronic Cough or Hoarseness
After repeated exposure of the throat and vocal cords to stomach acid, you may cough or sound hoarse.
Nausea
People with acid reflux who get nauseated commonly do so as an effect of eating.
Chest Pain
While mistakenly thought of as a heart attack, acid reflux can hurt your chest to the point that the pain radiates from upper stomach to throat.
Prevention of Acid Reflux
Preventing acid reflux involves avoiding the triggers, practicing lifestyle changes and managing the symptoms. Here are some key prevention strategies:
Adjust Your Diet
To prevent acid reflux avoid trigger foods like spicy, fatty, and acidic items. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger meals is easier on the digestive system and is better done closer to bedtime. A Gastroenterologist in Lahore can provide further information.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, and losing it can help reduce the chance of acid reflux. Maintaining a healthy weight depends on regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking can reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Elevate Your Head
Sleeping with the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches elevated, or with a wedge pillow, can help keep stomach acid up in the stomach and out of the esophagus.
Avoid Lying Down After Eating
Do not lie down at least 2 to 3 hours after you eat so digestion can occur and to decrease the chance of acid reflux.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Wearing clothing that’s tight around the waist can bring extra pressure to the stomach, which can result in acid reflux. Loose fitting clothes will alleviate pressure.
Manage Stress
Acid Reflux can often be made worse by stress, so using relaxation techniques including deep breathing, yoga or meditation can help prevent symptoms.
Conclusion
If not treated properly, acid reflux can cause major discomfort to one’s everyday life. You can prevent acid reflux by identifying its causes, beginning to understand its symptoms, and making lifestyle changes that will reduce the risk. Symptoms can persist and worsen, but if you do, seek advice from a Gastroenterologist in Islamabad to prevent complications like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
