ACID REFLUX

ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux is a common condition that relates to burning pain, or heartburn in the lower chest area. It occurs due to stomach acid flowing back up into the food pipe.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week.

Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.

Causes

The stomach produces an acid, hydrochloric acid, that helps break down food and protect against pathogens such as bacteria.

The gastroesophageal sphincter, is a muscle ring that acts as a valve that lets food into the stomach but not back up into the esophagus. When this valve is leak or fails, and stomach contents goes back into the esophagus, the symptoms are felt, such as heartburn.

Symptoms

Burning pain in the lower chest.

A bitter or sour taste.

Other symptoms of GERD include:

dry, persistent cough

throat problems, such as soreness, hoarseness,

difficulty or pain when swallowing

bad breath

 

Risk factors

         obesity

• smoking
• low levels of physical exercise
• medications: calcium-channel blockers, antihistamines, painkillers, sedatives, and antidepressants.

Pregnancy can also cause acid reflux .

Diet

Food and dietary habits that have been linked to acid reflux include:

• caffeine
• alcohol
• a high intake of table salt
• a diet low in dietary fiber
• eating large meals
• lying down within 2 to 3 hours of eating a meal
• consuming chocolate, carbonated drinks, and acidic juices

TREATMENT :

Lifestyle measures:

    Eating small and more frequent meals.

     Avoiding lying down immediately after meals

• improving posture, for instance, sitting up straighter
• wearing loose clothing.
• losing weight if overweight or obese.
• stopping smoking.

 

The medical treatment options for acid reflux are:

• Proton pump inhibitors, PPIs, including rabeprazole and esomeprazole
• H2 blockers, including ranitidine, and famotidine
• Antacids.

PPIs and H2 blockers decrease acid production and reduce the potential for damage caused by acid reflux.

 

SURGICAL TREATMENT

If GERD is severe and unresponsive to medical treatment, a surgical intervention known as fundoplication may be needed.