Acid reflux symptoms and treatment

Acid reflux symptoms and treatment

Esophageal sphincter and acid reflux

The esophagus is a tube made up of muscles that connect the pharynx with the stomach.

Its length is nearly about 8 Inches. It is lined by pink and moist tissue known as Mucosa. It helps in the transportation of foods and several secretions from our mouth to our stomach. A ring of muscle known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is present at the entrance of the stomach.

The LES closes itself whenever the food passes through it. If the LES does not close at all or opens too often. Then the acid which it produces in the stomach can easily move upwards into the esophagus. This can cause burning chest discomfort popularly known as heartburn.

Cause of acid reflux disease:

1. Getting overweight.
2. Eating food just before bedtime.
3. Smoking
4. Drinking alcohol, sugary beverages, tea or coffee.
5. Getting Pregnant.

Acid reflux symptoms:

1. Heartburn: Discomfort in your chest.
2. Regurgitation: Getting a sour or bitter taste into your throat or mouth.

Heartburn

It is a feeling of a burning sensation with pain in your chest, behind your breastbone. It occurs when the acid from your stomach climbs up the esophagus, the tube which helps in the transportation of food from the mouth to the stomach. The pain gets harder when you lie down or bend over. If you are facing heartburn more than twice a week then it means that you may have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms:

1. Burning pain may occur after eating at night.
2. Getting a bitter and acidic taste in your mouth.

When to refer to the doctor:

1. Regular vomiting
2. Difficulty in swallowing.
3. Your weight is getting reduced due to poor appetite.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD mostly occurs when the acid from the stomach frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backward flow of the acid may Irritate the muscular lining of the esophagus.

Acid reflux is experienced by people many a time. GERD comes under mild acid reflux. It takes place at least twice a week. A moderate version of it takes place at least once a week.

Symptoms:

1. Chest pain
2. Difficulty in swallowing.
3. Getting a feeling of a lump in your throat.
4. Disrupted sleep.

When to refer to the doctor

1. You are facing GERD symptoms frequently.
2. If you are taking medication against heartburn more than twice a week.

Foods that reduce acid reflux

1. Vegetables: Vegetables are known to have a low amount of sugar and fat. Thus, helps in reducing acid present in the stomach. Some good vegetables to eat are cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, and green beans.
2. Ginger: Ginger is regarded as the natural treatment for heartburn. You can eat ginger by adding it to your foods or can take it as ginger tea.
3. Oatmeal: This food is good breakfast food. It is rich in fiber. It absorbs the acid present in your stomach and reduces the effect of reflux.
4. Seafood and Lean-meat: Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and seafood contains low-fat and helps in fighting against acid reflux. Try it by grilling, broiling or baking.
5. Egg whites: Egg whites contain a large amount of protein in it. But remember not to have much egg yolk as it contains fat and may trigger reflux symptoms.

Eventually, there is no need to worry about the acid reflux. Most probably the symptoms will go away if you cut off the causes. Also, consider the above-mentioned food that will reduce the symptoms.

Keep checking our blog for the coming posts.