Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is the result of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which occurs when the esophageal muscles become weakened and gastric juices can flow up from the stomach and into the esophagus and mouth. The result is a painful, burning sensation that can leave a bad taste in the mouth. If left untreated, GERD can lead to a weakening of the esophagus and long-term pain for the sufferer. Treatments to minimize acid reflux are vital to health and well-being.
Causes
A number of factors lead to GERD, including a genetic predisposition to experience GERD due to a weakened esophagus. Other causes include being obese and/or a smoker, which puts added pressure on the esophagus and stomach, according to MedlinePlus. Smoking also can weaken these muscles and cause acid reflux. Certain medications, such as beta blockers for heart conditions, bronchodilators for asthma, progestin for birth control, sedatives or antidepressants have all been linked to heartburn, according to the the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Identification
While heartburn, or a burning sensation in the chest, is the symptom most commonly associated with acid reflux, other symptoms include feeling nauseated after eating a meal, feeling that food is trapped or stuck in the esophagus, coughing, frequent hiccups, hoarseness and food regurgitation.
Diagnosis
In GERD cases with severe symptoms, a physician might conduct a test, such as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, in which a thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The level of damage and cause of GERD can typically be determined this way. Other methods include a barium swallow, esophageal pH monitoring and esophageal manometry.
Alternative Therapies
Treatments for GERD range from home to herbal treatments and medication. Herbal remedies include taking licorice, slippery elm, chamomile and marshmallow in dosages approved by your physician, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other treatments include practicing stress relieving therapies, such as deep breathing, yoga, Pilates and guided imagery. Alternative medicine treatments such as acupuncture, which involves placing thin needles into the skin at certain points, might help to relieve some heartburn symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Medical Interventions
Over-the-counter medications are often the initial treatments administered for acid reflux symptoms. These medications include brand names Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid and Zantac. Prescription medications include Nexium, Prevacid, Prilose Rx, Protonix and Aciphex. In addition to medications that treat the symptoms, others known as prokinetic agents help to strengthen the esophageal sphincter, thus preventing the flow of acid. If these and other alternative therapies fail to assist in the treatment of GERD, surgery might be needed to tighten the lower esophagus, a procedure known as nissen fundoplication, according to MedlinePlus.
