Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is a problem that anyone can experience at any point in their life.
This condition can range from being mildly uncomfortable to being a serious issue, and it is always a good idea to prevent it where possible.
If you do find that you begin to suffer from this issue, then finding out why this is happening is the first step in resolving the problem. Assuming that your acid reflux will go away on its own can unnecessarily prolong the discomfort that you experience.
What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
GERD presents when the stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach.
When you swallow food or fluids, a band of muscle at the base of the esophagus will relax to enable this food or fluid to pass into the stomach. Once the food has passed, the band of muscle, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, will contract again to close this passageway. This is a normal and automatic process that the body will control by itself.
When this sphincter relaxes at the wrong time, then acid from the stomach can move back up into the esophagus. In this event, the lining of the esophagus will be irritated, and this can cause discomfort and inflammation.
There are several reasons why the sphincter might behave in this way.
Risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Hiatal hernia
- Being pregnant
- Scleroderma
- Smoking
- Eating late at night
- Eating large meals
- Drinking alcohol
- Drinking caffeine
- Certain medications
- Lying down after eating
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
When you experience this problem, it is normal that you will feel a burning sensation in the chest. This is most likely to happen shortly after eating.
You might also notice additional pain in the chest and find it difficult to swallow properly. You may also regurgitate your food and have an unpleasant sensation in your throat.
If acid reflux presents in the night-time, then you might wake up coughing and find that your ability to sleep is impaired.
Treatment Options
Managing the symptoms can help to reduce how acid reflux affects your life.
Adding Simply Thick to liquids before you consume them can help to alleviate issues with swallowing caused by GERD.
Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help to prevent acid reflux. It is also a good idea to stop smoking and to only drink alcohol in moderation.
If you are overweight, then losing weight can be a good solution, and this can be achieved by embarking upon a healthy eating plan and exercising regularly.
Medication Issues
If your acid reflux is being caused by any medications that you are taking, then this will have to be discussed with your doctor.
There might be alternative medications available to you that do not have the same side effects. Your doctor might also suggest over-the-counter medications to help alleviate the severity of your reflux.
