Acid reflux is a condition in which small amounts of food, along with digestive enzymes, flow back up from the stomach to the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation. This may be the result of the esophageal sphincter at the the top of the stomach relaxing or not closing correctly.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DS00095/DSECTION=symptoms It can also be caused by an inflamed stomach lining, a peptic ulcer or a hiatal hernia.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DG00016
The more common symptoms of acid reflux include a burning pain in the chest that occurs at certain times such as after eating or at night and that worsens when lying down or bending.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/AN00998 Acid reflux is sometimes called heartburn because the burning feeling is in the upper part of the chest, near the heart. Occasionally acid reflux may progress to a more severe form of reflux called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/AN00998 Acid reflux may have serious consequences on a persons health over the long term by increasing the risk of esophageal cancer and inflaming the lining of the esophagus.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bile-reflux/DS00651
The most common treatments for acid reflux include the use of antacids to neutralize the acid produced in the stomach, medications to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, and medications meant to heal the damage done to the esophagus. The class of drugs called protein pump inhibitors such as Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, are over the counter medications that are used in acid reflux treatment. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DG00016 Other medications used include Tagament HC, Pepcid AC, and Zantac 75.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DG00016
Managing Acid Reflux
Limiting trigger foods and eating smaller portions can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Some individuals find temporary relief from burning reflux symptoms by taking acid reducing medicine such as Tums or Rolaids. Seeing a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription medication such as Prilosec will lower the production of stomach acids, and give the body a chance to heal.
Trigger Foods for Acid Reflux
For some people, certain foods can cause acid reflux. These foods can differ from one individual to the next. Foods that can trigger acid reflux include: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DS00095/DSECTION=risk%2Dfactors
- Fatty Foods
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Fried Food
- Orange Juice
- Peppermint
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Tomato Sauce
Acid Reflux Video
Learn about GERD with a three-dimensional diagram of chest, esophagus and stomach digestive activity. The narrator gives an explanation of the LES valve function in protecting the esophagus from highly acidic stomach acids. In patients with Acid Reflux (and also GERD) this vale is in an almost constant relaxed state and therefore stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus causing great discomfort.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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Trigger Foods
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Helpful Hint
Eating small portions can help reduce acid reflux
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Contributing Factors
Obesity is a major contributor to Acid Reflux in both children and adults
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Causes
Varied but the action of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the most important factor
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Treatment
Antacids (Maalox, Rolaids, Tums) neutralize stomach acids for quick relief while medications like Prilosec OTC block acid production to give the esophageal lining healing time
