The terms acid reflux and heartburn are sometimes used interchangeably. Acid reflux refers to the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat. Heartburn becomes the burning sensation felt in the chest and throat, Medical News Today explains. Acid reflex is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux. The disorder can progress into gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, when frequent symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux occur, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Effects
Acid reflux occurs when a muscle valve in the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, weakens and does not close properly, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Food that enters the mouth goes through the esophagus into the stomach. When the esophageal valve does not function correctly, stomach acid from food rises back up into the esophagus and to the throat. Sometimes a sour taste occurs in the back of the throat or mouth along with heartburn.
Function
Most people have acid reflux symptoms on occasion, Medical News Today says. It can result from eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages. Occasional heartburn can be relieved and reduced by eating smaller meals, losing excess weight and avoiding foods that spark acid reflux reactions, the Mayo Clinic says. Fatty or fried foods, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, tomato-based products, carbonated beverages and alcohol can cause acid reflux. Smoking contributes to heartburn by reducing the production of saliva and weakening the lower esophageal sphincter.
Severe Symptoms
In addition to heartburn, people with GERD may suffer from regurgitation of food and liquids, the Mayo Clinic says. Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Dry cough, bad breath, hoarseness and a feeling that food is stuck in the throat indicate GERD, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Benefits
Over-the-counter antacids often bring relief from heartburn for people who have occasional symptoms. H-2 blockers are stronger medications that reduce the production of stomach acid and provide longer relief. Proton pump inhibitors, available over the counter and through prescriptions, reduce stomach production and heal the esophagus from frequent bouts of acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H-2 blockers and are often prescribed for patients with GERD, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Considerations
Along with medication, changes in lifestyle help GERD patients. They should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, the Cleveland Clinic advises. Avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux reduces symptoms. Some people are affected by certain trigger foods and need to know what causes their heartburn. Eating a small dinner and going to sleep at least two to three hours after a meal prevents acid reflux. Lying down soon after eating can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Wearing loose-fitting clothes takes pressure off the abdomen and prevents acid reflux from rising up.
