Acid reflux occurs when pressure within the stomach increases, causing the stomach acid to flow backwards into the esophagus. The condition can be caused by poor eating habits, stress and obesity. The two most common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn typically produces a burning sensation in the chest cavity; however, it can also create the feeling of pressure building in the chest.
Acid Reflux
The Women to Women Clinic estimates that roughly 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease. Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the pressure gradient between the stomach and the esophagus changes. A healthy digestive system uses gravity to create a pressure that forces food from the esophagus down into the stomach. With acid reflux the pressure in the stomach becomes greater then the pressure in the esophagus, allowing bile and food from the stomach to move back into the esophagus. This is can cause heartburn, inflammation and occasionally scarring.
Symptoms
The main symptom of acid reflux is acid indigestion. Acid indigestion is also referred to as heartburn because of the burning sensation it causes in the lower area of the chest and in the mid-abdomen. Other symptoms of acid reflux can include an irritation of the throat, the taste of acid, bad breath, laryngitis, a chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, nausea, chest pain and belching. A feeling of pressure building in the chest can also occur. These symptoms typically get worse at night or when lying down, especially if you've eaten shortly before retiring.
GERD
If the symptoms persist or get more severe, it could mean that the acid reflux has progressed in to gastroseophageal reflux disease (GERD). Frequent heartburn and chest pressure are the most common signs of GERD. Chronic GERD can cause an inflammation of the esophagus and eventual bleeding or ulcers. It can also cause scar tissue to form along the esophagus that leads to strictures. If GERD is allowed to persist, the long-term effects can include heart disease, asthma, chronic cough, pulmonary fibrosis, inflammation of the stomach lining, esophageal cancer, and H. pylori infection.
Controlling Symptoms
With a few diet and lifestyle changes, acid reflux can be easily controlled. Acid reflux typically stems from over-eating because large meals tend to stimulate the production of stomach acid. Eating several small meals throughout the day that are rich in complex carbohydrates can prevent the production of excess stomach acids. High-fat meals require more stomach acid and longer digestive periods and therefor should be avoided. Lowering stress levels and limiting the intake of sodas, beer and alcohol can also decrease the production of stomach acid. Remaining upright for at least 45 minutes after eating and elevating the head 6 to 8 inches when lying down may also relieve symptoms.
Diet
Coffee, acidic fruits and spicy foods have historically been thought to cause acid reflux. However, this was disproved as reported in an article published in the May 8, 2006, edition of the "Archives of Internal Medicine." According to a Stanford University-based study reported in the article, the only behavioral changes that can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux are eating less and elevating the head while sleeping. Drinking milk to relieve acid reflux is also ineffective, because the digestion of milk actually increases the production of stomach acid. However, over-the-counter medications like antacids, H-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors can help stem the symptoms of acid reflux.
References
- WomenToWomen.com: Acid Reflux- Whats Eating You?
- National Institutes of Health: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- HealthCastle.com: Acid Reflux
- Mayo Clinic: Acid Reflux and GERD Are They the Same Thing?
- Archives of Internal Medicine: Are Lifestyle Measures Effective in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
