Acid reflux is the backwards flow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. When you eat, food moves from the mouth down the esophagus, a long muscular tube that connects into the stomach. Under normal circumstances, food stays in the stomach, but occasionally, the stomach's acid flows back into the lower part of the esophagus, causing the symptoms of acid reflux. Adolescents with acid reflux can experience significant discomfort and pain.
Causes
The main cause of acid reflux is weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the lower esophageal sphincter is a round band of muscle that opens when food goes from the esophagus into the stomach, and closes to prevent food and acid to flow back into the esophagus. Adolescents who smoke, and who consume alcoholic beverages or caffeine-containing products, have a higher risk of weakening the lower esophageal sphincter and developing symptoms of reflux. Other factors include obesity, pregnancy, and eating spicy or acidic foods.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acid reflux include discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen and chest. This can happen immediately after eating, or several hours later. The pain is described as burning, sharp, and can radiate to the mouth. When acid reflux flows all the way to the upper esophagus, it can cause retching and belching, and leave a sour taste in the mouth. Adolescents with severe reflux can have vomiting, coughing, sore throat with frequent clearing, and shortness of breath. If reflux occurs at night, it can disrupt sleep.
Treatment
The treatment of acid reflux includes a combination of behavioral modification and medical treatment. Adolescents should be advised to avoid caffeine beverages, cigarettes, alcohols, and chocolate. Medications to treat reflux include over-the-counter H2 blockers, like cimetidine and ranitidine, for short-term relief of reflux symptoms; and proton-pump inhibitors, like omeprazole and lansoprazole, for long-term suppression of stomach acid production.
Complications
Long-standing reflux can have serious health consequences. According to reflux.org, these include erosion of your teeth's enamel, chest pain, and asthma symptoms. If you have asthma, medications to control reflux can prevent further worsening of asthma symptoms. Severe cases of reflux may need surgical treatment, with a procedure called a fundoplication. In this procedure, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less likely for reflux to occur.
