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Dr. Alister Victor

Consultant - Surgical Gastroenterology & GI Oncology

Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road

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Managing Acid Reflux: Tips and Insights for a Healthier Lifestyle

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Have you ever felt a burning sensation in your chest after a heavy meal? That's likely acid reflux, known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s a condition caused by stomach acid and bile juice leaking into the food pipe, leading to irritation. GERD symptoms include heartburn, which induces food or liquid contents to move toward the throat. Acid reflux occurs naturally in everyone periodically, although permanent symptoms signal the beginning of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Through this blog an experienced gastroenterologist in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, breaks down the basics of acid reflux, highlights its common symptoms, and explores the best treatment options to help manage it effectively.

Common Causes of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux requires knowledge of its causes to evaluate its effects appropriately. Several factors trigger acid reflux:

Obesity: The stomach and LES experience increased pressure from excess weight in the stomach area, which causes acid reflux.
Smoking: Smoking regularly both weakens LES function and produces additional stomach acid, which results in chronic acid reflux symptoms.
Self-medication: Self-medication with over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) leads to acid reflux because these medications damage the stomach lining.
Pregnancy: The enlarged uterus due to the growing foetus strains the stomach tissue and leads to acid reflux symptoms experienced by pregnant women.
Weak Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LES): When the lower esophageal sphincter is weak and fails to work correctly. A weak LES cannot restrict the flow of gastric acids into the foodpipe and eventually leads to acid reflux.
Hiatal Hernia: The passage of stomach contents through the diaphragm forms a hiatal hernia that causes acid reflux symptoms.
Dietary Factors: Regular consumption of large meals containing spicy foods or citrus fruits, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages typically triggers acid reflux symptoms.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux produces symptoms that range from mild to intense. Detecting signs of acid reflux early enables better control of the condition.

Heartburn: The most common symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating. It can be mild or intense.
Regurgitation: It occurs when food or liquid rises into the throat or mouth, giving it a sour or bitter taste.
Chest Pain: Severe acid reflux can sometimes mimic chest pain, leading to discomfort in the chest area.
Difficulty Swallowing: The sensation of food being stuck in the throat or chest is another sign of acid reflux.
Chronic Coughing or Hoarseness: Acid reflux can irritate the airways and voice box, causing a persistent cough or voice changes.
Sore Throat or Laryngitis: If acid reflux is frequent, it can irritate the throat and voice box, leading to a sore throat.
Asthma-Like Symptoms: Acid reflux can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, which may be mistaken for asthma.

Diagnosing Acid Reflux

To determine whether you have acid reflux or GERD, your doctor may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

Physical Examination: Your doctor will start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors to evaluate the likelihood of acid reflux.
Upper Endoscopy: This test involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the oesophagus and stomach to look for signs of inflammation, ulcers, or damage caused by acid reflux.
Esophageal pH Monitoring: This test measures the amount of stomach acid in the oesophagus, helping doctors assess the severity of acid reflux.
Barium Swallow: This test involves drinking a barium solution and then taking X-rays to check for abnormalities in the oesophagus.

Treatment Options for Acid Reflux

Treatment for acid reflux aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. A combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Here are the lifestyle changes:

Managing Acid Reflux

Eat Smaller Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and prevent overloading the LES.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods, including spicy, citrus, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages, can trigger acid reflux.
Stay Upright After Eating: Avoid lying down right after meals, as this can increase the likelihood of stomach acid entering the oesophagus.
Lose Weight: If you're overweight, losing weight can reduce pressure on the stomach and help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

Acid Reflux Prevention Tips

Preventing acid reflux often involves making healthier lifestyle choices. Here are some tips to reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux episodes:

Avoid Large Meals: Eat smaller portions to prevent excess pressure on your stomach.
Do Not Lie Down After Eating: Wait at least two to three hours before lying down after eating.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These beverages can relax the LES and increase the likelihood of acid reflux.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux.

Conclusion

If you experience acid reflux frequently or if you are experiencing severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing, it's essential to see a doctor. Persistent acid reflux can lead to GERD, which can cause long-term damage to the oesophagus and increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. If you continue to experience discomfort, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road offers expert care for acid reflux and GERD treatment. Consult with one of our top gastroenterology specialists in Bangalore to develop a personalised treatment plan for your condition.