What is Acid Reflux Disease? A Complete Guide

What is Acid Reflux Disease? A Complete Guide

A lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle ring at the entrance to your stomach normally closes after food passes through it. If it doesn’t close all the way or opens too often, stomach acid can move up into your esophagus, causing burning chest discomfort known as heartburn. GERD is a condition characterized by acid reflux symptoms that occur twice a week or more. 

A stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia is one common cause of GERD. Acid reflux disease is a condition characterized by a burning chest discomfort known as heartburn that occurs when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus via the LES. A hiatal hernia occurs when the LES and stomach move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the stomach from the chest. 

The diaphragm normally prevents acid from entering the esophagus, but if you have a hiatal hernia, it can move up into the esophagus and cause symptoms of acid reflux disease.

The Risks of Getting GERD

You’re at a higher risk for GERD if you: 

• are obese
• have a connective tissue disorder
• are pregnant
• have a hiatal hernia 

You can aggravate GERD if you:

• drink tea
• eat close to bedtime
• use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin
• eat large meals
• drink alcohol
• Smoke
• eat fatty or fried foods
• drink coffee

How is Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosed?

It is essential to see your physician if you experience acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week or if your medication doesn’t yield lasting relief. Symptoms like heartburn are the critical indicators of acid reflux disease, particularly if altering your diet, taking antacids, or taking acid-blocking medications reduces them.

If you are unable to reduce these symptoms or have frequent or serious issues, your doctor may order certain tests to verify a diagnosis and seek assistance for other complications. 

As a result of one or more of these tests, for example, you may require: You swallow a barium solution to examine for ulcers or esophageal narrowing. To begin with, you swallow a solution that helps structures appear on an X-ray image. With esophageal manometry, the function and motion of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter can be assessed. pH testing may be used to determine the amount of acid in the esophagus. 

Using a device inserted into your esophagus for one or two days, your esophagus is measured for acid content. With endoscopy, you may identify problems in your esophagus and stomach. 

Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Diet and Lifestyle Changes?

Following a diet low in fat and high in fiber can help prevent GERD. Many foods that are high in fat, such as butter and margarine, may increase the chances of GERD. Instead, consume foods that are high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A diet low in sodium can also reduce the chances of developing GERD because it can lead to stomach acid that is more acidic than normal.

The quality of your lifestyle is just as important as the food you eat when it comes to preventing GERD from occurring. Smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, or engaging in other unhealthy habits can all increase your risk of developing this condition. If you have GERD, try to avoid these things which will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle that will help prevent this condition from occurring.

Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Medications?

Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications are frequently enough to manage the signs of acid reflux disease. Antacids, including Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Riopan, can neutralize your stomach’s acid. 

However, diarrhea or constipation may result if you overuse them. Antacids that include magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide are the best. If you combine them, they may counteract these GI side effects. If antacids don’t help, your doctor may prescribe other medications. 

You may be prescribed or recommended more than one type of medication, or you might try a combination of medications such as these: Gaviscon is a foaming agent that coats your stomach to prevent reflux. Pepcid, Tagamet, and other H2 blockers decrease acid production, lowering your stomach’s acid production as well. Proton pump inhibitors (Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Protonix) also reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. 

Is Acid Reflux Disease Ever Treated With Surgery?

A doctor might suggest surgery if your everyday medication regimen does not alleviate your GERD. If you have GERD and your symptoms severely hamper your daily life, your doctor might recommend surgery. Two surgical techniques are available that alleviate symptoms of GERD if daily medication is ineffective. 

The LINX ring, a new procedure that is positioned around the lower end of the esophagus, may be used in addition to medicine. It is created from magnetic titanium beads linked with titanium wires. This device decreases reflux by preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. In one study, patients were able to cut down or discontinue their medication use. 

You should not get the LINX device if you are allergic to any metal, and once you have the LINX device, you should not get any type of MRI test. 

Conclusion

To conclude, acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common problem with a large portion of the U.S. population affected by early-stage GERD. 

If you have GERD, stomach acid refluxes up into your esophagus, which may trigger heartburn, sore throat, and other symptoms and health risks. GERD is a chronic condition that can have serious consequences, including esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophagitis. GERD is also known as gastric reflux disease or heartburn and is more commonly known as a burning sensation in the chest or chest pain.