Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and results in heartburn, a painful feeling in the chest and throat. Acid regurgitation, sometimes used interchangeably with acid reflux, brings up partially undigested foods or liquids to the mouth. Both reactions can happen during the same episode. Sometimes heartburn alone results from acid reflux.
Function
Food normally goes from the mouth, through the esophagus and into the stomach. A muscle ring at the lower end of the esophagus contracts and keeps stomach acids from rising back up into the esophagus, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. When the ring, called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not close properly, acid reflux can occur and result in heartburn. The condition happens occasionally to many people, especially after overeating and bending over or lying down.
Identification
Some people suffer from frequent heartburn over long periods and may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. A weakened lower esophageal sphincter or a hiatal hernia, which often has heartburn among its symptoms, may be involved in the development of GERD, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Other GERD symptoms may include chest pain, cough, hoarseness, sore throat or repeated throat clearing, and asthma.
Warning
When acid reflux brings stomach contents beyond the upper esophagus and into the back of the throat, it indicates laryngopharyngeal reflux. A burning sensation, bitter taste and feeling of something stuck in the throat may result from the acid regurgitation. The effect may reach into the back of the nasal airway. Some people may have difficulty breathing temporarily when the larynx or voice box is affected. Symptoms in infants and children may include spitting up, turning blue, aspiration and pauses in breathing that may be life-threatening, the American Academy of Otolaryngology warns. This warrants immediate medical attention.
Effects
Symptoms of GERD in preschoolers may include vomiting and feelings of stomach acid or food in the throat and mouth. Wheezing, a lack of interest in eating because of the pain, and weight loss may occur, the UpToDate website notes. Adolescents may experience the taste of stomach acid in their throat, nausea, heartburn and discomfort, pain or a feeling that food gets stuck when swallowing. Doctors can recommend the best treatment, which may be similar to treatment for adults.
Prevention/Solution
Dietary changes, such as eating smaller meals, may help reduce acid reflux. Certain foods cause acid reflux and acid regurgitation. Fatty or spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, caffeine and carbonated beverages may cause frequent acid reflux episodes. Other foods may affect particular people. Over-the-counter antacids help people with occasional heartburn. Over-the-counter and prescription acid reducers, which reduce stomach acid production, provide long-lasting relief for acid reflux.
