Acid reflux also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a condition in which food travels backwards through the stomach into the esophagus causing discomfort and heartburn. Heartburn is the primary symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn often causes a burning sensation that radiates from the stomach, to the chest, and then to the throat. Most patient’s who experience acid reflux often complain of the symptoms occurring at night. At times it can cause pain so severe that patient’s think they are experiencing angina or Congestive Heart Failure. Dyspepsia is another common side effect of acid reflux that causes epigastric pain, nausea after meals, and stomach fullness. Regurgitation, in which acid backs up into the throat, is another common side-effect associated with acid reflux. Chronic nausea, vomiting, throat discomfort, and dysphagia are also symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Acid reflux or GERD is a very common condition that occurs most often after meals. Sometimes it is also triggered by a condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and allows food to travel back up into the esophagus. Several studies have also linked obesity as a cause of heartburn and acid reflux. This occurs especially in women who are not within a healthy weight range. Pregnancy and several medications are also known to trigger or aggravate symptoms of acid reflux. Lying down shortly after meals, bending over, and heavy lifting may also aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.
There are several different tests that can be performed in order to diagnose acid reflux. A positive barium swallow study may be performed. A physician can perform an endoscopic study called an EGD to look for esophageal inflammation or Barrett’s Esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition that occurs from chronic GERD that causes the lining of the esophagus to change possibly causing cancer. Patient’s may also have an esophageal pH study performed that provides constant monitoring of esophageal reflux.
While there is no cure for acid reflux, patient’s can make several lifestyle changes to help relieve symptoms. It is best to avoid tobacco and alcohol. Patient’s should also avoid fatty foods, acidic and citrus foods, and caffeine. It is best to avoid eating close to bedtime and also patient’s should sleep with their head elevated. Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle also decreases acid reflux symptoms. Patient’s should also always take medications with a full glass of water. In the event that lifestyle changes are ineffective, patient’s may also try medication. They can take an over-the-counter antacid shortly after meals and before bedtime. For milder acid reflux symptoms a Histamine H2 receptor blocker or promotility agent may be prescribed. Proton Pump Inhibitors, also know as PPI’s, may be prescribed but, may take up to a month of continuous use to be effective. In rare cases when a patient does not respond to lifestyle changes or medication, anti-reflux surgery may be performed. There are several endoscopic procedures that may be done or there is also a procedure called Nissen fundoplication for patient’s with extreme symptoms.