Acid reflux, also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition in which the contents of the stomach, either food or liquid, leak back up into the esophagus, which is the tube from the mouth to the stomach. This "leak" can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn and other symptoms. Obesity, smoking and sometimes alcohol can increase the chance of developing GERD. Along with limiting certain trigger foods, there are ways to control the symptoms of acid reflux.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The most common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest, which is made worse when you bend over, stoop down, lie down or eat or is worse at night and relieved by antacids; nausea after eating; and having the feeling of food being stuck behind the breastbone. Less common symptoms include difficulty in swallowing; hiccups; hoarseness or a change in the voice; coughing; wheezing; sore throat; and regurgitation of food.
Trigger Foods
For many people suffering with acid reflux, there are certain trigger foods that bring on symptoms. They include: alcohol; caffeine; chocolate; citrus foods or juices; tomatoes and tomato-based foods, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili and pizza; carbonated beverages; spicy or fatty foods; peppermint or spearmint; and full-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. It is best to avoid these foods as much as possible. If other foods trigger acid reflux symptoms, avoid them, as well.
Lifestyle Changes
To get relief from the symptoms of acid reflux, it is best to make certain eating and lifestyle changes. They include: avoid bending over and/or exercise after eating; avoid eating within two to three hours of going to bed so as not to lie down with a full stomach; do not smoke; eat smaller meals; avoid belts or clothes that are tight around your waist; lose weight if you are overweight; reduce stress as much as possible; and sleep with your head raised 6 to 8 inches. This can be done by either tilting the bed, or using a wedge, and not just normal pillows, under your body.
Medications for Acid Reflux
Your doctor may recommend certain prescription or over-the-counter medications to either stop acid production or to help the muscles that empty the stomach. They include: antacids to relieve the heartburn symptoms; foaming agents, which work by covering stomach contents with a foam to prevent reflux from occurring; H2 blockers, which help to decrease the acid production. These are available in either prescription or over-the-counter strengths and provide short-term relief from acid reflux symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers because they can relieve symptoms and heal the damage in the esophageal lining in almost everyone with acid reflux. Prokinetics help to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, and make the stomach empty quicker. Prokinetics have side effects that limit their usefulness, including sleepiness, depression, fatigue, anxiety and problems with physical movement.
