Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation commonly referred to as heartburn, explains MayoClinic.com. Many people have minor bouts of acid reflux throughout their lives and successfully treat occurrences with over-the-counter acid reducers. For some, however, the condition becomes chronic and advances into acid reflux disease, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Causes
Acid reflux occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and allows stomach acid to wash back into your esophagus. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that researchers are unsure why some people develop acid reflux disease. Pregnancy, obesity, smoking and certain foods, such as citrus fruits, chocolate or spicy foods, may be a contributing factor. A haital hernia, which causes your stomach and LES to rise above your diaphragm, also increases the risk of developing acid reflux disease.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of acid reflux disease is heartburn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Heartburn typically radiates from your stomach to your throat. About half of acid reflux disease patients experience dyspepsia---a feeling of fullness in the stomach, nausea and upper abdominal pain. Acid regurgitation into your throat and mouth is also a common sign. Less common signs include difficulty swallowing, chronic hiccups, ongoing sore throat and coughing or wheezing.
Diagnosis
A physician may diagnose acid reflux disease based on the symptoms, but some cases require tests such as an X-ray of the upper digestive system or an upper endoscopy. During an upper endoscopy, the physician inserts a thin tube equipped with a small camera down your throat to examine the stomach and esophagus, explains MayoClinic.com. Other tests include probes to measure the amount of acid in your throat and tests to measure the movement of your esophagus.
Treatment
Treatment begins with lifestyle changes, such as limiting alcohol, losing weight if necessary and raising the head of your bed while sleeping. If this is unsuccessful, you can begin a medication regimen. For some, over-the-counter antacids are effective. Others require stronger medications like omeprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor to reduce gastric acid production. Surgery is used as a last resort when lifestyle changes and drug treatment fail, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. About 15 percent of patients still need medication after surgery.
Complications
Acid reflux disease can cause long-term complications if left untreated. Stomach acid can damage the lining of your esophagus and cause ulcers. Scars from damaged tissue can cause narrowing of your esophagus. A condition called Barrett's esophagus is a complication that causes esophageal lining cells to become abnormal in shape and color, which can possibly lead to esophageal cancer, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Is Acid Reflux the Same as GERD?
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Gerd
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn Treatment
