Acid reflux--also called acid regurgitation, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD--causes discomfort in over 60 million people in the United States, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. The uncomfortable burning sensation results from a back flow of stomach acid into the throat. This condition occurs because the lower part of the esophagus fails to close adequately.
Causes
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or the NDDIC, the lower portion of the esophagus or lower esophageal sphincter may not function properly due to structural problems such as a hiatal hernia. The hernia causes a weakening of the muscle wall between the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter. This weak area allows stomach acid to flow backward. Other possible causes of acid reflux include being overweight, pregnancy or smoking.
Symptoms
Heartburn or acid indigestion remains the number one symptom of acid reflux. According to the NDDIC, heartburn is characterized by a burning pain in the chest, behind the breastbone and in the stomach. A person can have acid reflux without experiencing the classic burning sensations; instead, he may complain of dry cough, asthma problems and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms of acid reflux can be aggravated by foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, fatty foods, garlic, onion, mint, spicy foods and tomato-based foods.
Diagnosis
The NDDIC reports acid reflux that occurs more than two times a week is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, health care providers may require the use of diagnostic testing to differentiate acid reflux from other medical disorders. Tests include upper gastrointestinal X-rays, where the patient drinks a chalky liquid prior to X-rays of the throat and stomach; endoscopy, where the patient swallows a flexible tube with an attached camera; esophageal manometry, which measures pressure in the throat; and esophageal pH, to measure acid content in the esophagus.
Treatment
Treatments for acid reflux include lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may consist of altering food choices, quitting smoking and using proper body posture. Medications prescribed by health care providers include proton pump inhibitors to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, antacids, antihistamines and prokinetics to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
Complications
Long-term acid reflux can advance to chronic GERD. According to the NDDIC, if this condition goes untreated, serious complications can result. Problems include ulcers; bleeding; narrowing of the gastroesophageal passageways; Barrett's esophagus, where the esophagus changes shape and color; and cancer.
