Difference between revisions of "Acid Reflux Disease"

Revision as of 08:20, 18 November 2009

Also called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, occurs when acid flows back into the esophagus from the stomach. It can produce symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain and sore throat. Over time, the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause other health complications, such as damage to the cells of the esophagus, worn down tissues in the esophagus that cause open sores to develop and even precancerous esophageal changes. It can lead to a condition called Barrett's Esophagus and cancer.

Symptoms

Heartburn is the initial symptom. In more progressive stages more symptoms may develop. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing; chronic sore throat; persistent coughing or hoarseness; laryngitis; frequent belching or vomiting; upset stomach. In even more advanced stages inflammation of the gums; erosion of tooth enamel, and mourth sores may develop.

Extra-esophageal manifestations

Some GERD patients do not experience the typical heartburn symptoms. Instead, they suffer symptoms known as extra-esophageal manifestations, which may include asthma, laryngitis, chronic cough, pneumonia and dental disease. These manifestations typically occur at night when the effect of gravity is less and acid is able to reflux all the way up the esophagus and into the windpipe, larynx or mouth.

There have been reports of mouth sores, or oral ulcers, occurring as a result of GERD. The reason is probably acid-induced damage to the lining of the mouth.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus is damaged. This damage occurs when parts of the esophageal lining are repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, and are replaced by tissue that is similar to what is found intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia.

With Barrett's esophagus, abnormal intestinal-like cells develop in the throat.

Source: Barrett's Esophagus

Treatment

If your acid reflux symptoms become chronic, contact your doctor so that he or she can determine whether or not there has been damage to the esophagus.

Your doctor can provide you with the proper medication to treat the disease, such as with proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers or promotility agents.

Source: Tips for Acid Reflux Relief

Position

Gravity plays an important factor in keeping acid out of the esophagus. Try to keep your posture upright, especially after eating, to allow digestion to occur properly. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours in between eating and lying down. If acid reflux occurs often during the night, raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches.

Diet Change

Avoid foods that are known to contribute to acid reflux. Avoid the following:

• onions
• garlic
• fried and fatty foods
• chocolate
• spicy foods
• heavily seasoned foods
• alcohol
• citrus fruits
• peppermint
• caffeine
• orange juice
• tomato juice

Source: Multiple Sources

Smoking: Quit smoking. Smoking causes the lower esophageal sphincter to function improperly, triggering acid reflux.

Sore Throat Relief

Sore throat pain is a symptom of GERD. Problems with the throat may develop when GERD is left untreated. The burning that stomach acids cause to the throat can lead to other issues such as ulcers and even esophageal cancer.

• Gargle with warm salt water each evening.

Gargle warm salt water every evening. Use a high concentration of salt to water ratio has been shown to help prevent a night time acid reflux sore throat.

Source: How to Avoid an Acid Reflux Sore Throat

Medication

• Antacids
• H-2 receptor blockers
• proton pump inhibitors

• Prokinetic agents

Prokinetic agents are sometimes perscribed to strengthen the esophageal sphincter

Weight Management and Exercise

Surgery