Acid reflux, also called heartburn, occurs when the acid normally present in your stomach washes back into your esophagus. The acidic stomach juices can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause discomfort. If you experience this more than twice each week, you may have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This recurrent and ongoing acid indigestion often requires medical intervention.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of heartburn includes a painful burning sensation in your chest, especially after eating. The sensation may spread upwards into your throat and can cause a bitter or sour taste in your mouth. You may also experience difficulty swallowing and have a sore throat. The irritation can cause a dry cough and may make you feel like you have a lump in your throat. These symptoms occur when your esophageal sphincter fails to keep the stomach contents from entering the esophagus. Factors that may contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease include diabetes, smoking, obesity and pregnancy.
Complications
Although most people experience occasional symptoms of heartburn, ongoing acid reflux may increase your risk of certain complications. As the stomach acid continues to irritate the lining of the esophagus, you may develop ulcers or a narrowing of the passageway. Ongoing exposure to the acid can cause Barrett's esophagus, a condition whereby the cells undergo precancerous changes. Certain dietary modifications and medications can help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Treatment
If you are overweight, losing weight may help alleviate heartburn. Other home remedies include avoiding tight clothes, eating at least 3 hours before you go to bed or take a nap, raising the head of your bed by about 6 to 9 inches, and avoiding overeating. Eliminating foods that may increase acid reflux, such as citrus fruits, onions, alcohol and carbonated drinks, may also help treat this condition. If these changes don't eliminate heartburn, your doctor may prescribe medications that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach such as lansoprazole or omeprazole.
Precautions
See your doctor if acid reflux interferes with your daily life or if you experience heartburn symptoms two or more times each week. Your doctor may need to perform certain tests, such as X-rays and endoscopy examinations, to diagnose your condition. Some symptoms require immediate medical care. Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or pain in your arm or jaw may be unrelated to stomach acid and can be warning symptoms of a heart attack.
