Acid Reflux: Definition, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
Reviewed by, Kaedoc Medical Team
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach contents seep backward into the esophagus. These contents sometimes contain excessive acid and may cause irritation and pain.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of acid reflux is persistent heartburn, which may involve:
If acid reflux occurs repeatedly, it may cross the line into chronic condition called gastroesohageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to chest pain, GERD may lead to longer-term symptoms such as nausea, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.
Causes
It results from improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The LES is a circular band of muscle at the end of your esophagus. When you swallow, it relaxes and opens up to allow food and liquid to travel from your mouth to your stomach. Then, it tightens and closes again.
Acid reflux happens when your LES doesn’t tighten or close properly. This allows digestive juices and other contents of your stomach to rise up into your esophagus
Your LES may not function properly if you:
Frequently eat large meals:
This may cause distension of the upper part of your stomach. This distension sometimes means there isn’t enough pressure on the LES, and it doesn’t close properly.
Lie down too soon after meals:
This might not create enough pressure for the LES to function properly.
Have a hiatal hernia
This occurs when part of your stomach moves above your diaphragm toward your chest. If your diaphragm is compromised, it may prevent your LES from functioning properly.
Other factors, may also contribute to having heartburn more often,
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to persistent reflux with esophageal inflammation include:
Health factors
Health factors such as the following may contribute to GERD:
Dietary triggers
Some foods may trigger GERD symptoms more than others, including:
Side Effects Of Acid Reflux
Chronic acid exposure may cause damage from the mouth down through the esophagus:
Diagnosis
A doctor will typically take your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your symptoms.
If you’re experiencing alarm symptoms, such as chest pain or trouble swallowing, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist or request certain tests, including:
Esophagram:
After you drink a barium solution, healthcare professionals use X-ray imaging to examine your upper digestive tract.
Upper endoscopy:
A flexible tube with a tiny camera is threaded into your esophagus to examine it and collect a tissue sample (biopsy) if needed.
Esophageal manometry:
A flexible tube is passed through your nose into your esophagus to measure the strength of your esophageal muscles.
Esophageal pH monitoring:
A monitor is inserted into your esophagus to help healthcare professionals find out how acid is regulated in your body over a few days.
Treatment
Lifestyle strategies
To manage and relieve symptoms of GERD, certain home remedies and lifestyle habits may help, including:
Medication
A doctor might prescribe medications to decrease your stomach acid secretion, since acid reflux is a common manifestation of GERD:
Surgery
In most cases, lifestyle strategies and medications are enough to prevent and relieve symptoms of GERD. However, a doctor might recommend surgery if these approaches haven’t stopped your symptoms or if you’ve developed complications.
Possible surgery options include:
References
- 1. Qiu K, et al. (2020). The effect of breathing exercises on patients with GERD: A meta-analysis.https://apm.amegroups.com/article/view/38240/29295
- 2. Clarrett DM, et al. (2018). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://apm.amegroups.com/article/view/38240/29295
- 3. Definition and facts for GER and GERD. (2020).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts
- 4. Pan J, et al. (2019). Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/54/1/62/5090261