Acid Reflux Causes, Symptoms and Treatments for Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as "reflux esophagitis", is an inflammation of the esophagus caused by regurgitation of the contents of the stomach. Acid reflux is most often recognized by its symptom of "heartburn" which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the U.S. on a daily basis.

When stomach acid leaks back up into the oesophagus, it is called acid reflux. Normally the sphincter, a muscle at the join between the oesophagus and stomach, tightens up to stop acid and food coming back up out of the stomach. Acid reflux happens when the sphincter does not work very well, or when the stomach is very full (for example, after a large meal).



Causes of Acid Reflux

Anyone who a large amount of acidic foods can have mild and temporary heartburn. This is especially true when lifting, bending over, or taking a nap after eating a large meal high in fatty, acidic foods. Persistent GERD, however, may be due to various conditions, including abnormal biologic or structural factors.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when stomach acid and juices back up, or reflux, into the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This happens when the valve between the lower end of the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) does not close tightly enough.


Dietary and lifestyle choices may also contribute to GERD. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods and coffee or alcoholic beverages, may weaken the LES, causing reflux. Additionally, studies have shown that cigarette smoking, obesity, pregnancy and asthma may also be associated with GERD.



Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck), regurgitation (food or fluid coming up into the mouth), chest pain, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness, dental diseases and asthma.

The primary symptom of heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, under your breastbone. This pain may worsen when you bend over, lie down or eat. It may also be more frequent or worse at night.





Treatment of Acid Reflux


Acid reflux disease treatments are broken down into lifestyle changes, over-the-counter acid reflux medicine, prescribed acid reflux medication, natural remedy for acid reflux and acid reflux surgery.

If you have frequent and persistent heartburn, you may have GERD, leading to an inflamed esophagus. GERD usually requires prescription-strength medication or medical treatment and sometimes surgery.

Antacids. Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil, Rolaids and Tums, neutralize stomach acid and can provide quick relief. But antacids alone won't heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid. Overuse of some antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation.

Drug Treatments
Patients with moderate to severe symptoms that do not respond to lifestyle measures or who are diagnosed at a late stage may be started on more or less or potent agents depending on complications at diagnosis. Experts argue, however, about the best way to initiate drug treatment for GERD in most of these patients.