Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and a burning sensation known as heartburn. While occasional acid reflux is common, frequent episodes can lead to more severe health issues, such as oesophagitis or damage to the oesophagus. Understanding how to prevent and treat reflux can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Common Causes of Acid Reflux
Several factors can trigger or worsen acid reflux, including:
Diet: Foods high in fat, citrus fruits, spicy foods, garlic, and chocolate can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and increase the likelihood of acid reflux.
Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine intake can weaken the LES, leading to acid reflux.
Overeating: Large meals, especially before bedtime, can cause pressure on the stomach, leading to acid backflow.
Obesity: Excess body weight can put pressure on the abdomen, pushing stomach acid into the oesophagus.
Lying Down After Eating: Lying down too soon after eating can increase the risk of reflux, as gravity helps keep stomach contents where they belong.
Preventative Measures
Making a few lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing acid reflux:
- Eat Smaller Meals: Instead of having large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals to reduce pressure on your stomach.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and limit foods that trigger reflux, such as fatty foods, spicy meals, chocolate, and caffeine.
- Stay Upright After Eating: Avoid lying down or reclining for at least two to three hours after eating to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can help relieve the pressure on your stomach and reduce reflux symptoms.
- Elevate Your Bed: Raising the head of your bed by about 6-8 inches can help keep stomach acid down while you sleep.
- Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can weaken the LES, making reflux more likely. Cutting back or quitting can improve symptoms.
Treatment Options
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, several treatments can help manage acid reflux:
Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can provide quick relief by neutralising stomach acid and reducing the burning sensation of heartburn. However, they are best for occasional use and are not suitable for long-term management.
H2 Blockers: These medications, available over the counter or by prescription, reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces and provide longer-lasting relief than antacids.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are stronger acid reducers and are often prescribed for more severe cases of acid reflux. They help heal the oesophagus by reducing acid production in the stomach.
Lifestyle Changes: In combination with medication, continuing lifestyle adjustments—like changing your diet or losing weight—can further alleviate symptoms.
Surgery: In severe cases where medication and lifestyle changes do not provide relief, surgery may be an option to strengthen the LES and prevent acid reflux.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Occasional acid reflux is normal, but if you experience frequent symptoms (more than twice a week), it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Chronic reflux can damage the oesophagus and lead to complications like Barrett’s oesophagus, which can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
By making simple lifestyle changes and using appropriate treatments, you can manage and even prevent reflux, improving your comfort and overall health.
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