Indigestion is recognized with the onset of abdominal pain in association with eating. Some of the symptoms that would be recognized with indigestion will be heartburn, belching and hiccups. There are people that suffer from another symptom that is more severe where there is a backflow of the stomach’s acids into the esophagus and mouth. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close tightly thus permitting the contents of the stomach to back flow into the esophagus.
There are multiple causes for acid reflux which could be related to a health condition or a number of substances that could have been ingested. These causes will either weaken the esophogeal sphincter or increase the pressure in the stomach. Acid reflux will sometimes occur in people that have asthma, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and sliding hiatal hernias. A sliding hiatal hernia occurs when the diaphram weakens thus allowing a portion of the stomach to protrude through the diaphram. When a hiatal hernia forms, the esophogeal sphincter is no longer suppoprted by the diaphram which will now allow gastric juices to backup into the esophagus.
There are times when having esophageal reflux causes no symptoms at all. However, when esophageal reflux manifests itself into a heightened level of awareness and would be quite symtomatic is when the acidic gastric fluids are actually irritating the lining of the esophagus. Some of the sysmptoms to look out for at this point would be heartburn and a sensation of a bitter or sour liquid accumulating in the throat and mouth. If this condition were allowed to get worse the sensations that would be felt are chest pain, chronic coughing, hoarseness and sore throat. A more advanced case of esophageal reflux would lead to ulcers in the esophagus which would then lead to bleeding and inflamation. This level of esophageal reflux will cause scar tissue to form thus narrowing the inner wall of the esophagus. Another symtom of advanced esophogeal reflux would be dysphagia where there is now difficulties in swallowing. At this point this condition would not permit swallowing liquids, foods or saliva. The lack of food and liquids will starve the body of nutrients.
There are methods in which to prevent esophageal reflux. First of all, eat smaller meals and by drinking liquids one hour before a meal or one hour after the meal will prevent pressure on the stomach. Next, eat foods slowly and chew them thoroughly; this will prevent air from getting into the stomach thus distending the stomach. Another way is to limit foods that would weaken the lower esophogeal sphincter or increase gastric juices. The foods to look out for here would be foods that contain fat, alcohol, caffeine, decaffeinated coffe and tea, chocolates, spearmint and peppermint. Losing weight would be another method of avoiding esophageal reflux as there would be less pressure placed on the abdomen. Lying down or bending over is not recommended after eating as this will apply pressure to the stomach. Also, by elevating the head above the stomach by 4 to 6 inches will prevent esophageal reflux. Do not smoke as this will relax the esophagus. Finally, during bouts of esophageal reflex it is recommended to stay away from foods that would irritate the esophagus such as citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomatoe based products, pepper, spices and very hot or very cold foods.
Medications that assist in releaving nausea and vomitting will also serve to alleviate the symptoms of esophageal reflux. Nausea and vomitting in conjuction with certain medications are most likely temporary and will resolve themselves.