Have you noticed a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest that often occurs after you have had a hearty meal? A common health condition that causes this discomfort around the chest is known as acid reflux. Primarily, it happens due to an abnormality in the muscle called the sphincter muscle which is located at the lower end of the esophagus. When this muscle begins to relax at the wrong intervals, the acid content of the stomach flows up into the esophagus, causing mild or sometimes throbbing heartburn.
Over time, it results in a chronic health disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux and GERD are co-related, but they do not always mean the same thing, and by and large, GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux.
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Causes Of Acid Reflux
Below are some common causes of acid reflux that can cause minor to major discomfort to the body:
- Snacking especially close to bedtime
- Eating citrus fruits, chocolate, mint, garlic, or spicy foods at the wrong hours
- Drinking excessive alcohol, carbonated drinks, tea, and coffee
- Excessive smoking
- Being pregnant
- Taking muscle relaxants or blood pressure medicines
- Hiatal hernia (a stomach abnormality when the upper part of your stomach bulges and separates the abdomen and diaphragm)
What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux?
The most common symptoms of acid reflux are:
- A feeling of food being stuck in the throat
- Bloating
- Blood in the vomit
- Burping or hiccups that refuse to go away
- Nausea and heartburn
- Sudden weight loss
- Hoarseness and sore throat
- Chest pain
- Bad breadth
- Asthma
Also Read: GERD: 5 Unusual Symptoms Of This Digestive Disorder You Should Never Ignore
How Is Acid Reflux Diagnosed?
When medications such as antacids or acid-blocking medications don't help and acid reflux symptoms, primarily heartburn, continue for over a week, it is important to get it checked. The doctor may order the following tests to be done to confirm a diagnosis
Checking Acid Reflex Through Barium Swallow Radiograph: A special X-ray procedure which is called the barium swallow radiograph is done to rule out any structural problems in the esophagus.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux By Endoscopy: During an endoscopy, the doctor inserts a small tube with a camera through the mouth into the esophagus. This helps the doctor to see the lining and any issues with the esophagus and stomach.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux Through Biopsy: In some cases, the gastroenterologist may decide to perform a biopsy, by passing a tiny surgical instrument through the scope to remove a small piece of the lining in the esophagus. The tissue sample is taken to be assessed to see if there is a possibility of esophageal cancer.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux With Esophageal Manometry: The doctor conducts an esophageal manometry by passing a narrow, flexible tube through the nose into the esophagus and further to the stomach. This helps to see how any abnormality of the esophageal sphincter.
Can Acid Reflux Be Cured And Managed?
Not a very complicated disease, if acid reflux is managed in the beginning it can go away forever. Lifestyle changes combined with over-the-counter medications can easily control the symptoms of acid reflux. Apart from medication, one of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux disease is to limit foods and beverages that can be potential triggers of this health problem. Always eat smaller meals, at least two to three hours before going to bed. Smoking is a big culprit when it comes to heartburn, thus it is a big no. Obesity can cause acid reflux therefore take steps to lose weight with exercise and make changes in diet.
