Living with Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a fairly common condition caused by stomach acids rising up into the esophagus, the tube between the stomach and the pharynx found at the back of the throat. In many people it can cause heartburn and similar types of discomfort.

Acid is present in all stomachs; it is produced by cells in the stomach lining, along with enzymes and other chemicals, in order to help break down food. The stomach walls are protected from the acid by mucus. In contrast, the esophagus has little to protect it from acid.

There is a valve in the stomach which is there to prevent these acids and enzymes (or gastric juices) from leaking out into the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter. If it becomes weakened, gastric juices can rise up and ‘leak’ into the esophagus.

Why do some people get acid reflux more than others?

The lining of the esophagus can tolerate a small amount of acid, but some people are simply more sensitive to it and develop symptoms with just a small amount of reflux.

Certain conditions are also known to trigger acid reflux, however, such as during the third trimester of a pregnancy, when the baby presses down on the stomach; in these cases, antacid is usually adequate to relieve discomfort and symptoms generally disappear once the baby is born. Hiatus hernias, peptic ulcers, asthma, smoking and poor eating habits, such as consuming supersized meals, also seem to produce more acid reflux.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

The main symptom is heartburn; nothing whatsoever to do with the heart, this is experienced as a burning feeling rising from the abdomen or lower chest up towards the neck. Other symptoms of acid reflux include dental erosion, asthma (as the acid moves into the air passages of the lungs), difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and regurgitation.

Most people will experience at least some of these symptoms from time to time, but if the problem persists untreated it can develop into Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, a chronic digestive disease that is diagnosed when acid reflux symptoms occur at least twice a week. Patients with GERD will require stronger medications than simple antacids.

Coping with acid reflux – what minimizes the symptoms?

A 2011 study found that incidences of acid reflux have increased by over 50% since 2000 in most industrialized nations, perhaps due to lifestyle issues, such as overeating, excessive drinking and smoking. A change in diet may help; sufferers are generally advised to try eating smaller portions, quit smoking and consume less alcohol. Citrus fruits, chili peppers, black pepper, spicy foods, coffee, tea and tomatoes are all known to cause heartburn, so cutting back on them may help alleviate the problem.

The most common treatment is to take a medicine to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach (antacids). These are available over the counter, without a prescription. Most sufferers use medication only when symptoms flare up, but others may have to take daily meds on a long-term basis.

Stronger medications include acid suppressants and histamine-2 blockers, which reduce inflammation in the stomach. Another treatment is with proton pump inhibitors. Those with chronic symptoms of GERD are sometimes advised to  buy Nexium,  which reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It should be noted that Nexium is not suitable for the immediate relief of heartburn symptoms, but for more persistent conditions.

Aimee Clark, Guest Blogger