You must have experienced heartburn at some point in your life but have you ever given a thought about it? That why this actually happens? And what can you do about it? If acid reflux happens more than twice a week, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Today, we will be discussing all about acid reflux and its causes, symptoms and how to treat it.

What is ACID REFLUX?

Acid reflux is a common condition when the stomach’s acid flows back up into the food pipe which causes heartburn. Heartburn is a very uncomfortable feeling which sometimes reaches up to your throat.

Acid reflux also known as acid indigestion or pyrosis causes burning pain in the lower chest area after having food. Usually it happens after having heavy meals or spicy foods.

If acid reflux recurrence is frequent, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This a serious condition which needs immediate treatment to avoid any complications later. People who suffer from GERD, have an uncomfortable feeling after every meal and have a burning sensation in chest, neck and throat.

CAUSES

Acid Reflux or GER happens when the end of the esophagus (a tube which transports saliva, liquid and food from the mouth to stomach) does not relaxes or open properly after swallowing. This allows digestive juices and other contents from the stomach to rise up and damage the tissue lining of esophagus causing inflammation and pain. On the other hand, when it is working correctly it tightens and closes again after swallowing.

Anybody can experience this condition including babies but, it is also very common in adults and teens.  If this condition is left untreated, it can permanently damage the esophagus and sometimes develop into ulcer or cancer. Some of the risk factors of getting GERD are obesity, pregnancy, smoking and less physical exertion or asthma.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Apart from a common heartburn feeling, people might develop a sour or a bitter taste at the back of the throat and in severe cases have shortness of breath leading to asthma.

Other symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Sore throat
• Nausea and vomit
• Burning acid into the mouth
• Chest pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Dry cough
• Bad breath

Treatment

The treatment of acid reflux or GERD are simply making lifestyle changes and taking over-the-counter medicines as prescribed by the Gastroenterologist.

Following are some lifestyle changes to be implemented to prevent this condition:

• Taking small meals
• Low salt intake
• Not lying down immediately after meals
• Quit smoking
• Maintaining weight
• Avoiding carbonated drinks
• Taking less caffeine

It is recommended to have simple and healthy meals if you are experiencing GERD. Women who are pregnant also have acid reflux issue so they should also make lifestyle changes like not eating late and taking small meals.

If the symptoms are severe and not manageable by lifestyle changes then the doctor might recommend a surgery as a last resort.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you are having continuous chest pain especially with shortness of breath and have no improvement with medication then you should visit the doctor immediately. The Gastroenterologist will help to diagnose the problem and treat it according to the patient’s condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce or even stop uncomfortable symptoms. As mentioned above, making healthy lifestyle changes can be very helpful in alleviating the symptoms caused by acid reflux and also prevent many diseases and illnesses including GERD. The measures which people should take is to eat simple food, exercise regularly and stay fit.

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