Understading Acid Reflux?

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, can significantly affect the lives of those it plagues. The cause of acid reflux is acid, among other materials, backing up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube which is used when one eats or drinks, connecting the mouth to the stomach. This is not to be confused with the larynx, which connects the mouth to the lungs.

For those without acid reflux, the materials that are in the stomach remain in the stomach. Those with acid reflux are commonly plagued by heartburn and nausea. These symptoms are commonly caused by those same stomach materials, instead of staying within the stomach, poised above the stomach, in the lower esophagus. Those with acid reflux find that acid typically comes up to the mouth. From there, it is either re-ingested, or thrown up. Damage to the esophagus may occur in the long term, due to the repetitive channeling of acid up and down the esophagus.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux can be caused by several factors. However, acid reflux itself is generally caused by the lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter is a strong rim of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus, which keeps the food that is waiting to be digested, in the stomach, rather than coming up into the esophagus. When the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, or is not strong enough, a mixture of food and stomach acid is released into the esophagus.

Other factors of acid reflux include a hiatal hernia and a weak esophagus, which cannot move food from the mouth down to the stomach at an acceptable pace.

How is Acid Reflux Treated?

There are several treatments available to alleviate acid reflux. Lifestyle changes are the most important. Changing factors in your life, such as losing weight; eating smaller, more frequent meals; avoiding or limiting alcoholic beverages as well as cigarettes; staying upright for at least an hour after meals; and sleeping with your head in an elevated position. By simply altering your lifestyle, you may be able to receive smaller doses, if any, of medicine.

There are several different types of medicines available that can ease your acid reflux. The first are Histamine Receptor Antagonists, which reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. Some common brand names of Histamine Receptor Antagonists are Pepcid and Zantac. Medications that neutralize the acid include Mylanta and Tagamet.

If over the counter medications are unable to provide relief, your doctor may be able to prescribe Proton Pump Inhibitors, which prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Such Proton Pump Inhibitors include Nexium and Prevacid.

This article is for informational use only. You and your physician may be able to decide the correct treatment for your acid reflux.