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Acid Reflux

Understanding Acid Reflux & GERD: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Dr. Santhosh Panju

MBBS, MD, INTERNAL MEDICINE
DM (ENDOCRINOLGY)
B.C. Roy Awardee
Member of American college of physicians
Member of API (Association of Physicians of India Society)

Don’t Ignore Acid Reflux: Understanding Basics and Home Cures

GERD, commonly referred to as acid reflux, is a health complication that has been reported to affect a high percentage of the global populace. This is an ailment whereby there is a reverse of the stomach acid into the esophagus with the outcome being irritation of the esophagus lining. Contained herein is informational content in relation to how acid reflux develops, how it manifests, how it can be diagnosed, and different approaches on how it can be managed and treated especially by home remedies.


Understanding Acid Reflux

1. Causes:

Acid reflux is primarily caused by the unsuitable operation of the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring shaped muscle that acts let-alone as the narrow passage connecting the esophagus and the stomach. LES or the lower esophageal sphincter opens or becomes weaker allowing stomach acid to move up in to the esophagus. Contributing factors include:


  • Diet: Avoid the foods that are acidic, hot, spicy, fatty, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and any food that increases the production of stomach acid.

  • Lifestyle: There are common triggers for COPD such as smoking, obesity plus lack of exercise.

  • Medications: Some drugs for pain relief, for arthritis, and for certain muscles and nerves, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and some muscle relaxants, will physically lower the pressure of the LES.

  • Pregnancy: Pregnancy can worsen your symptoms of acid reflux due to hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure.

  • Hiatal Hernia: This condition which affects a part of the stomach by putting it through the diaphragm also cause acid reflux.


2. Symptoms:

Common symptoms of acid reflux include:Common symptoms of acid reflux include:

  • Heartburn: Heartburn is the sensation of heat and burning in the chest area and sometimes after meal taking that may prolong to nighttime.

  • Regurgitation: An actual or potential retrosternal presence of an acid solution with a sour or bitter taste in the throat or mouth.

  • Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.

  • Chest pain.

  • Chronic cough.

  • Laryngitis: Period, laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box.

  • Nausea.


Diagnosis

Acid reflux is diagnosed by symptoms and history although may not have specific diagnostic signs. More tests may still be conducted to make more sure of the case or to determine how serious it is. These tests include:

  • Endoscopy: A flexible fiber optic endoscope which is a narrow tube with a camera at the tip is used to examine the esophagus and the stomach.

  • Esophageal pH Monitoring: Measures the density of the acid in the oesophageal region of the body.

  • Barium Swallow: Fluoroscopic studies are conducted after taking barium to outline organ issues on x-rays.

  • Manometry: Provides information about muscle contractions and the rhythmic activity of the muscle in the esophagus.


Treatment Options

There are cases where treatment of acid reflux entails use of drugs, change of diet and adjusted sleeping positions while in severe cases may require a surgery.


1. Lifestyle Changes:

  • Dietary Adjustments: Limit foods that that actuate flare up or relapses, cut portion sizes, and do not consume food after certain hours in the evening.

  • Weight Management: This can also lessen the pressure on the stomach since losing weight is one way to alleviate some forms of pressure.

  • Elevate Head While Sleeping: Elevating the head of the bed avoids episodes at night. Elevating the head of the bed An effective way of avoiding such symptoms at night is by raising the head of the bed.

  • Quit Smoking: Tobacco desire minimizes the force of the LES.

  • Avoid Tight Clothing: Compression of abdominal area by belts and constraining clothes can make it more painful.


2. Medications:

  • Antacids: Alkalizers neutralize stomach acid and give fast aid in digestion.

  • H2 Blockers: However, if these symptoms persist, acid production should be reduced (e. g. with ranitidine or famotidine).

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): THIS WORK IS MADE AVAILABLE BY ARVO partes.com Over-the-counter medicines that block acid production and heal the esophagus (e. g. , omeprazole, esomeprazole).

  • Prokinetics: Support the LES and help it push the stomach empty It is always good if the LES is stronger and can make the stomach empty faster.


3. Surgery:

For extreme cases where non-surgical procedures do not work there are surgical procedures including the fundoplication where the top part of the stomach is expectant round the lower esophageal sphincter.

Acid reflux is a common health issue that affects millions of people across the world and to some extent, there is nothing wrong with taking a prescription as suggested by the physicians to help in dealing with this condition; however, it is also essential that you seek natural ways of treating this condition as outlined below.

This is why many people tend to go for so called natural solutions for their problem in order to reduce and control their symptoms. Here are some effective home remedies for acid reflux: Here are some effective home remedies for acid reflux:


1. Herbal Teas:

Ginger Tea: This is mainly due to the fact that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has calming qualities that will assist the digestive tracts and is also effective in managing stress which causes_acid reflux.

2. Baking Soda:

Introduction of a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water helps in the neutralization of stomach acids thus giving relief for a while.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Although, apple cider provides vinegar the power to change the level of stomach acid since it is acidic. There are several methods of using the prescription, one of which is to take one tablespoon with a glass of water around half an hour before taking a meal.

4. Aloe Vera Juice:

Aloe vera juice playing an effective role in the relief from esophagitis and inflammation of the esophagus. It is recommended to drink a little before meals – for instance, it is better to drink water in small portions frequently rather than in large amounts occasionally.

5. Chewing Gum:

It can reduce the chances of developing heartburn since regurgitated stomach acid is washed down with saliva as a result of chewing gum.

6. Almonds:

In addition to consuming it, a handful of almonds also have substances that can neutralize stomach acids because of the oil content.

7. Bananas:

Acid reflux is as a result of the stomach having excessive acid and bananas are known to have a soothing effect on the stomach and may be taken in order to provide relief.

8. Slippery Elm:

This herb can bulk up the mucous lining of the stomach which could entail an additional layer resistant to the acids.

9. Licorice Root:

The fancy name for plain licorice is deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL which can be used to help build up the mucous lining on the esophagus so that it can better withstand acid.

10. Mustard:

Mustard is alkaline and surely its application will help to balance the excess of Hydrochloric acid present in the stomach . Applying mustard, one teaspoon taken internally, will give comfort.


Prevention Tips

Preventing acid reflux involves making proactive lifestyle and dietary changes:Preventing acid reflux involves making proactive lifestyle and dietary changes:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Consuming too much food may add some extra weights that in turn have a pressure on the stomach.

  • Eat Small, Frequent Meals: They make your stomach swell up which in turn puts pressure on the LES.Thomas et al, (2010) suggest that it is due to the expansion of the stomach wall following a large meal.

  • Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks: Avoid certain foods as these may lead to occurrence of the symptoms of the ailment in the affected individual.

  • Stay Upright After Eating: Never lie down within three hours of eating any type of food as it hinders digestion.

  • Wear Loose Clothing: It may be that tight clothes especially around the belly region exert an extra pressure that brings the symptoms.

  • Manage Stress: Several factors contribute to the rising levels of stomach acid such as stress.


Awareness of the symptoms that are strong enough to require a visit to a doctor is important for the patient and the carer.

While home remedies and lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice if:While home remedies and lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice if:

  • Symptoms persist despite treatment.

  • You feel very bad and have chest pains.

  • You have difficulty swallowing.

  • You observe that her physical appearance has changed in a way that indicates she is consuming less food than before and you realize that you have observed unintentional weight loss.

  • There are many reasons that can make you have diarrhea, nausea or vomiting throughout the day or frequently.


Conclusion

Therefore, hiatus hernia is a treatable condition when one adopts the proper procedures and takes the appropriate remedies and medications. In this manner, you are able to have an especially prepared idea of what causes worry and what kind of uncomfortable feelings are happening in your organism, so you would be able to prevent them or feel much better as soon as potential and enhance your quality of life. This means for any of the treatment regimes described with the patient, always seek advice from a healthcare provider if the patient has any pre-existing condition.

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