How Does Acid Reflux Happen?
At the entrance to your stomach is a valve, which is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it
If the LES doesn’t close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as a burning chest discomfort called heartburn.
If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest.
Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach. But if you have a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux disease.
Factors Contributing to Acid Reflux
It is quite surprising to know that though you have probably made some lifestyle changes and might be taking medication to help improve your symptoms and doing almost everything to control your GERD, certain prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can actually worsen your symptoms.
There are two types of medications that can worsen GERD symptoms: those that irritate the lining of your esophagus causing heartburn pain, and those that increase acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia are the symptoms of acid reflux.
Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning feeling that occurs in the esophagus and is felt behind the breastbone area. It tends to get worse when lying down or bending over. It can last for several hours and often worsens eating food.
The pain of heartburn may move up toward the neck and throat Stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat in some cases, producing a bitter or sour taste.
If heartburn occurs two or more times a week, it is known as GERD.
What are available for acid reflux?
Acid reflux is treatable and the available treatment options are –
#Diet and lifestyle modification #Medicines #Surgery
Dr. Ramesh Doddanavar
M.B.B.S. MD (General Medicine)
Cardio-Diabetologist & Medical Director
