What is Acid Reflux? Causes and treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly referred
to as GERD or acid reflux. It is a condition in which the liquid content of the
stomach regurgitates or backs up into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and
damage the lining i.e., esophagitis. The regurgitated liquid usually contains
acid and pepsin that are produced in the stomach. The liquid may also contain
bile that has backed- up into the stomach from the duodenum, the first part of
small intestine attached to stomach. Out of the refluxed liquid, acid is the
most injurious component while bile and pepsin may also injure esophagus.
Causes
of acid flux
GERD has multiple causes and different causes may
affect different individuals or even in the same individual at different times.
One of the main reason of GERD is lower esophageal spincter (LES) abnormality. LES
is a circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus, its function is to
relax and open when something is swallowed. But, when acid flux happens, LES doesn’t
tighten or close properly, allowing the digestive juices and other components
from the stomach to rise up into the esophagus. Some of the other factors that
contribute to acid flux are hiatal hernias, abnormal esophageal contractions
and slow or prolonged emptying of the stomach.
Symptoms
of acid flux
GERD causes a feeling called heartburn, which is an
uncomfortable burning feeling in the chest, then eventually radiate up towards
the neck. One might develop sour or bitter taste at the back of the mouth because
food or liquid may regurgitate from the stomach to mouth. In some case there
might be difficulty in swallowing that might lead to breathing problems, like
chronic cough. One may feel dysphagia which is the sensation of food being
stuck in the throat. Some of the other symptoms include bloating, bloody or
black stools, blood vomiting, burping, frequent hiccups, nausea and weight loss.
Diagnosis
of acid flux
It is recommended to consult a doctor if the symptoms
of acid flux occur two or more times a week. Very mild symptoms are usually
self- diagnosable and general medications is enough, so buy medicine online in Delhi. For frequent severe symptoms one or more tests are conducted. Barium
swallow or esophagram test, can check for ulcers or a narrowing of the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry test, can check the function and movement of the esophagus
and lower esophageal spincter. Monitoring of pH, to check acidity level in the
esophagus. Endoscopy is done to check for problems in the esophagus or stomach
and biopsy may be taken for the same.
Treatment
for acid flux
One of the important and simplest treatment for acid
flux is life style change in reference to daily habits. Some of the steps
include, eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, consume meal
2- 3 hours prior bed time, sleep in a chair for a daytime nap, avoid wearing
tight clothes or belts and quit smoking. Some of the antacids like Alka-
Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids or Riopan can neutralize the acid levels of
the stomach. If any medication is triggering the heartburn or other symptoms of
acid reflux disease, then ask your doctor for a change in the same and avail
the prescription from best medicine app in India. But, don’t combine more than
one antacid or other medications without the doctor’s consult. If medications don’t
resolve the disease, then surgery is recommended. Two types of surgical
procedures are available; one is placing a ring as a LINX device around the outside
of the lower end of the esophagus. Another procedure is called fundoplication,
which help prevent further acid flux.
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