Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, resulting in the burning sensation in the chest termed heartburn. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the ring of muscle at the lower end of the esophagus, does not close efficiently, thus causing stomach acid to flow back up. Besides heartburn, acid reflux can result in regurgitation, dysphagia, and persistent coughing. Acid reflux is caused by certain foods, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and specific drugs.
Discomfort due to acid reflux can affect the overall quality of life of an individual immensely. It may interfere with sleep, impact the efficiency at the workplace, and cause anxiety and depression. It may, however, cause more severe complications like esophagitis, stricture of the esophagus, and Barrett esophagus, which is precancerous, if left untreated. Hence, acid reflux has to be managed with the use of lifestyle, dietary, and medication treatments.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Acid Reflux
Several lifestyle adjustments can be made to manage, as well as lessen, the symptoms of acid reflux. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most significant adjustments to be made. Being overweight can put pressure onto the abdomen, which may cause stomach acid to be forced up into the esophagus. Weight loss, which can be achieved through diet and exercise, can alleviate the pressure and lessen acid reflux symptoms.
Another significant change one should make to one’s lifestyle is not lying down or bending forward after eating. This can cause the stomach acid to move into the esophagus. It is best to stay upright at least two hours after eating to let gravity assist in keeping the stomach acid down.
In addition, smoking cessation and the avoidance of passive smoking can assist with managing acid reflux. Smoking weakens the LES and causes the stomach to produce more acid, worsening the symptoms. Quitting smoking can decrease the severity and frequency of acid reflux symptoms.
Dietary Changes to Manage Acid Reflux Apart from the change in lifestyle, dietary adjustments can also be done to manage acid reflux. Some foods and drinks can induce or enhance the symptoms of acid reflux, so one should recognize any such foods or drinks that trigger the symptoms and exclude them from the dietary list. These foods include spicy foods, orange, grapefruit, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chocolate, alcohol, and fizzy drinks.
Instead, those with acid reflux can stick to eating foods that contain lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fat. These foods tend to be less likely to cause acid reflux symptoms and promote a healthy weight. It is also wise to take smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, whereas huge meals can cause pressure to the LES, leading to stomach acid flowing into the esophagus
In addition, avoiding eating late at night is suggested since lying down directly after eating can cause acid reflux symptoms to develop. It is therefore advisable to finish the last meal at least three hours prior to going to bed to facilitate proper digestion and minimize the chances of night-time heartburn.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Acid Reflux
For those with mild to moderate acid reflux symptoms, over-the-counter medication can be effective in treating the condition. Over-the-counter drugs like Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox can be used to neutralise stomach acid to alleviate heartburn quickly. These drugs work best after eating or at the time of expected occurrence, like after meals or before sleeping.
The second category of over-the-counter acid reflux medication is H2 blockers, which include Pepcid AC and Zantac. H2 blockers decrease stomach acid production, which can give relief that lasts longer than that of antacids. H2 blockers are normally administered before eating or at night to prevent the onset of symptoms.
Also, proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec OTC and Nexium 24HR can be purchased over-the-counter to treat frequent heartburn. Proton pump inhibitors lower the production of stomach acid and are administered daily for 14 days to give heartburn relief that can last up to 24 hours.
Prescription drugs for acid reflux
For those with severe or persistent acid reflux symptoms, medication may be needed to successfully treat the condition. A prescription medication that can be commonly used to treat acid reflux is what is known as PPIs like omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), or lansoprazole (Prevacid). These treatments are more powerful than what can be purchased over-the-counter and are generally only administered once daily to decrease stomach acid production and alleviate heartburn long-term.
Prokinetics like metoclopramide (Reglan) and bethanechol (Urecholine) are another category of prescription medication that helps treat acid reflux. They cause the stomach to empty sooner, thus decreasing the time stomach acid remains in the esophagus. They are frequently combined with other drugs to enhance acid reflux symptoms.
In addition, those with severe esophagitis or acid reflux complications can be treated with the prescription H2 blocker ranitidine (Zantac) or famotidine (Pepcid). These are stronger than H2 blockers found over the counter and can work all day to prevent heartburn.
Natural Cures for Acid Reflux
Apart from medications, there are numerous natural treatments that can manage acid reflux symptoms. One among these is the use of apple cider vinegar, which is thought to balance the stomach acid content and enhance the process of digestion. It is advised to take one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with water prior to meals to hinder acid reflux symptoms.
The use of ginger to treat acid reflux has been practiced for centuries, thanks to its effectiveness in promoting proper digestion and combating inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. It can be ingested through tea, capsules, or raw ginger root added to food, how to treat acid reflux.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Acid Reflux Mild to moderate symptoms of acid reflux can be managed through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and over-the-counter therapies; however, one should seek medical help if the symptoms become severe or persistent. Severe, persistent heartburn, dysphagia, unintentional weight loss, or chest pain requires that one see a healthcare specialist for further assessment.
In conclusion, acid reflux is an ordinary condition that has the potential to affect the quality of life of an individual, especially if it is left untreated. Knowing the causes and precipitating factors of acid reflux, making the necessary lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, utilizing over-the-counter or prescription medication whenever needed, individuals can bring the symptoms under effective management, along with preventing complications. It is crucial to seek medical care if the symptoms don’t subside or worsen to avoid the development of further complications. Natural treatments can be complemented with conventional treatments to give extra relief to symptoms of acid reflux.
