Sometimes called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), acid reflux is a condition of the digestive tract that causes stomach acid, and sometimes food, to backup into the esophagus. It's usually treated by putting the patient on an acid reflux diet, but medications are often prescribed in more serious cases.
Symptoms of GERD may include a sour taste in your mouth, burning in the throat, chest or upper abdomen, excessive belching, difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat, or difficulty in swallowing food.
What Causes Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is the result of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not functioning the way it should. The LES is band of muscle that opens and closes the lower end of the esophagus, and creates a pressure barrier against stomach acid. If the LES becomes weak, acid can get by, causing acid reflux symptoms.
The symptoms often occur on their own, but may also be brought on by exercising or napping shortly after a meal. If left untreated, GERD can eventually get worse and cause complications, like ulcers and scarring of the esophagus.
Certain types of foods are known to cause acid reflux symptoms. Foods that are usually no-no's on an acid reflux diet are:
Changing your diet may seem like a lot of work, but it doesn't have to be. Start by making small changes, and keep track of the foods you eat, and which foods trigger your acid reflux symptoms. By building a list, you'll learn more about your eating habits, and have a handy reference for which foods you should limit or avoid on your acid reflux diet.
Self-discipline is very important in keepimg to your acid reflux diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you feel acid reflux symptoms, you'll know you've strayed from the path.
If your acid reflux symptoms can't be controlled by diet alone, your doctor may prescribe an acid reflux medication like Omeprazole (Nexuim, Prilosec). This type of acid reflux medication is called a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). Instead of changing the pH of stomach acid, a PPI blocks the production of excess acid in the stomach and, in many cases, can help reverse the damage already done by years of untreated acid reflux.
While some types of acid reflux medication are available over the counter, you should always see your doctor before you take any medication. If there's a larger problem causing your acid reflux symptoms, your doctor will recognize it and get you on the right acid reflux medication, or combination of meds, for your specific problem.
Symptoms of GERD may include a sour taste in your mouth, burning in the throat, chest or upper abdomen, excessive belching, difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat, or difficulty in swallowing food.
What Causes Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is the result of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not functioning the way it should. The LES is band of muscle that opens and closes the lower end of the esophagus, and creates a pressure barrier against stomach acid. If the LES becomes weak, acid can get by, causing acid reflux symptoms.
The symptoms often occur on their own, but may also be brought on by exercising or napping shortly after a meal. If left untreated, GERD can eventually get worse and cause complications, like ulcers and scarring of the esophagus.
Acid Reflux Diet
People who suffer from GERD are usually put on an acid reflux diet. If you frequently experience these symptoms, then you're probably a good candidate for an acid reflux diet. While making sensible changes to your diet is usually a good choice for your health, you should never diagnose yourself. Frequent acid reflux symptoms are sometimes a sign of a more serious health issue. Always visit your doctor get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor can tell you the severity of your condition and get you started on the right course of treatment.Certain types of foods are known to cause acid reflux symptoms. Foods that are usually no-no's on an acid reflux diet are:
- Chocolate
- Coffee and other caffeinated drinks
- Peppermint or spearmint
- Alcoholic drinks
- Certain types of fruit, especially citrus fruits
- Fruit juices
- Fatty, fried, or spicy foods
- Onions
- Tomato based or other acidic foods
Changing your diet may seem like a lot of work, but it doesn't have to be. Start by making small changes, and keep track of the foods you eat, and which foods trigger your acid reflux symptoms. By building a list, you'll learn more about your eating habits, and have a handy reference for which foods you should limit or avoid on your acid reflux diet.
Self-discipline is very important in keepimg to your acid reflux diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you feel acid reflux symptoms, you'll know you've strayed from the path.
Acid Reflux Medication
Antacids are a popular way to relieve acid reflux symptoms but, for many people with chronic acid reflux, they just don't get the job done. In some cases, antacids can even aggravate the problem. That's because antacids work by changing the chemical makeup of your stomach acid. Your body often responds to this change by producing even more acid.If your acid reflux symptoms can't be controlled by diet alone, your doctor may prescribe an acid reflux medication like Omeprazole (Nexuim, Prilosec). This type of acid reflux medication is called a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). Instead of changing the pH of stomach acid, a PPI blocks the production of excess acid in the stomach and, in many cases, can help reverse the damage already done by years of untreated acid reflux.
While some types of acid reflux medication are available over the counter, you should always see your doctor before you take any medication. If there's a larger problem causing your acid reflux symptoms, your doctor will recognize it and get you on the right acid reflux medication, or combination of meds, for your specific problem.
