Acid Reflux Disease
Refluxed stomach acid that has not been kept in the stomach by the LES will touch the fleshy lining of the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat. This is called heartburn. When the acid is tasted in the back of the mouth – usually a strong, burning, bitter taste – it is called acid indigestion.
Most people have heartburn every once in a while, but patients with acid reflux experience it more than twice a week. Gone untreated, acid reflux can lead to more serious health problems and can become uncontrollable.
No one really knows why people develop Acid Reflux, though it is theorized that a hiatal hernia might have something to do with it. When an upper section of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the diaphragm is not able to do its part in keeping the acid from rising up into the esophagus, thus contributing to acid reflux. Acid reflux can occur in people of any age, regardless of gender.
In additional to a hiatal hernia, alcohol abuse, pregnancy and smoking can help increase the chances of developing an acid reflux problem. Foods high in citrus, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, fried foods, garlic, spicy foods and tomato-based foods all contain properties that might also help contribute to acid reflux.
Symptoms of acid reflux are usually similar among patients. The most common – and often the most painful – is heartburn. Heartburn will begin as a burning sensation in the chest that steadily spreads up toward the throat. The sensation will be worse when lying down, bending over or coughing. The patient might experience loss of voice, frequent – and sometimes painful – belching, hoarseness, and a sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat.
Diagnosing acid reflux is not always necessary if the symptoms are present, but if your doctor is concerned or if you desire peace of mind, the following tests are available for diagnostic purposes:
1. Barium swallow radiograph – In this test, the patient swallows a barium solution and is then subjected to several x-rays that will locate abnormalities of the esophagus. Although mild inflammation and irritation will not show up, a strictured esophagus, hiatal hernias, ulcers and severe inflammation will.
2. Upper endoscopy – This test is performed in a hospital or doctor’s office. The physician will numb your throat with a special spray and then slide a flexible plastic tube down your throat. The tiny camera on the end of the endoscope will reveal the esophagus and any visible abnormalities, which will be displayed on a small television screen.
Treatment for acid reflux is based largely on a hit-and-miss practice; what works for one patient will be ineffective for another. For some patients, it helps to eat several small meals rather than fewer large meals and to avoid eating at least two hours before falling asleep. Patients should also avoid foods that are known to trigger their heartburn – which will vary among patients – and should take an antacid whenever symptoms begin. Sleeping with the head and shoulders elevated will reduce the chances of the LES malfunctioning.
Stress has not been linked directly to heartburn or acid reflux, but stress is often a secondary trigger for gastrointestinal and pharyngeal problems, so it might also be applied to heartburn. When you become stressed or agitated, do your best to calm down and approach your problems objectively. If you begin to notice a correlation between stress and acid reflux, approach your doctor about the issue. He can help you to absolve stress from your life and can teach relaxation techniques to better improve your quality of life.
