It is normal to experience heartburn once in a while. This mainly occurs due to indigestion, which can result from overeating. This burning sensation in your chest usually resolves itself or can go away with over-the-counter medication. However, if you have acid reflux at least twice a week or constantly over a long period, consider seeing Matthew W. Shawl MD for a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although the disease is not life-threatening, early medical intervention helps relieve your symptoms and avoid health complications.
What is chronic acid reflux?
It is a condition whereby acidic content from the stomach goes back up into your esophagus, resulting in symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Other symptoms linked to this condition include burping, nausea, persistent hiccups, bloating, and a feeling of a lump in your throat. Acid reflux disease occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close after food enters the stomach.
Causes of acid reflux
There are different causes of acid reflux, with the most common one being hiatal hernia – a condition in which the upper part of your stomach bulges into the diaphragm. This interferes with normal functioning that creates a barrier between the stomach and your chest. As a result, acidic content from the stomach leaks to the esophagus, causing burning chest sensations. Other causes include:
· Extra pressure on your abdominal area due to excess body weight. Most pregnant women experience this condition almost daily.
· Medications including painkillers, anti-depressants, and sedatives can result in heartburn. Drugs used to treat allergies, asthma, and high blood pressure can also cause acid reflux.
· Milk and dairy products can cause acid reflux. You may also experience burning sensations in your chest after eating spicy and fried foods.
The following are the factors that put you at risk for acid reflux disease.
· Having meals at least two hours before bedtime
· Intake of foods and fruits with citrus.
· Drinking coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
· Overeating
· Going to bed right after a heavy meal
· Smoking
What is the treatment for acid reflux?
As the first line of treatment, your doctor will recommend lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medication. Examples of the changes you need to observe include:
· Eliminate any trigger foods such as spicy meals and carbonated drinks
· Quit smoking
· Lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy body mass index
· Have small food portions frequently instead of a large meal in one sitting.
· Avoid tight clothes that press on your belly area.
· Eat at least 3 hours before bedtime.
The options for over-the-counter and prescription medications include:
· Antacids. They include drugs like Tums, Mylanta, and Rolaids, which offer fast relief. They only reduce heartburn symptoms but do not address underlying problems such as a damaged esophagus. Your specialist may advise using these drugs over a limited period as overuse may result in side effects such as diarrhea.
· H-2-receptor blockers. These drugs, such as Pepcid and Zantac, decrease acid production. Although they are well-tolerated, patients may experience side effects, including nausea, headache, and diarrhea.
· Baclofen. This prescription drug minimized the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid reflux.
Constant heartburn can be a source of discomfort. If you experience symptoms like regurgitation, chest pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing, book a session with your doctor at Matthew W. Shawl MD for treatment to improve your quality of life.