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Acid Reflux or heartburn occurs when the stomach acids move upward toward the food pipe (esophagus). Although not a very serious condition, acid reflux can cause a lot of discomfort and a bitter taste in the mouth.


When Acid reflux keeps recurring, often it is called gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)

 

What are the common triggers that cause acid reflux to flare up?

Acid Reflux can be triggered by a variety of lifestyle and dietary factors. 

Dietary triggers- Spicy foods, fatty or fried dishes, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated drinks. 

Lifestyle habits- Eating large meals, lying down right after eating, or eating too late at night can also cause symptoms to worsen. 

Other contributors- smoking, being overweight, stress, and certain medications that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is key to managing acid reflux and reducing flare-ups effectively.

 

How can I control an acid reflux attack?

If you're experiencing an acid reflux flare-up, there are a few quick steps you can take to ease the discomfort:

Sit or stand upright – Avoid lying down, as gravity helps avoid stomach acid from rising.
Sip water slowly – It can help wash acid back down into your stomach.
Chew sugar-free gum – This increases saliva production, which can help neutralise acid.
Avoid trigger foods and drinks – Skip spicy, greasy, or acidic foods, along with caffeine or soda.
Take an antacid – Over-the-counter medications like Nexium, Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole can provide quick relief.

 

Do I have Acid Reflux?

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, there is a chance you are suffering from Acid Reflux;

 

How can I treat Acid Reflux?

While Acid reflux can be very uncomfortable and unbearable at times, it is very much treatable through some simple actions and taking medicines in extreme cases. 

 

 

 

Symptoms

Other than the common symptom of a burning sensation in the chest, acid reflux also causes;

 

  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth

  • Bloating or burping

  • Difficulty swallowing

 

  • Sensation of a lump in the throat

 

  • Sour liquid in the throat

Treatments available

Acid reflux can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Common treatments include:

  • Dietary and lifestyle changes – Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, maintain a healthy weight, and stay upright after eating.

  • Antacids – Provide quick, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

  • Medication – Nexium, Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole.

  • H2 blockers – Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine or famotidine).

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Stronger medications that block acid production and help heal the esophagus (e.g., omeprazole or pantoprazole).

  • Surgery – In rare cases, procedures like fundoplication may be recommended if medications aren’t effective.

 

Diagnosis

If your symptoms of Acid Reflux continue to persist, your doctor might prescribe over-the counter remedies like Antacids that give quick relief from heart burns. The damage to the esophagus however needs a more comprehensive diagnosis. 

In some cases, tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:

Upper endoscopy

A thin tube with a camera is used to check the esophagus and stomach for inflammation or damage.

pH monitoring

Measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours.

Esophageal manometry

Checks how well the muscles of your esophagus are working.

 

A quick and free evaluation by ‘Better Meds’ can help you get the best treatment for your condition. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your health, and our medical experts will guide you from there!

FAQ

Your questions answered

Acid Reflux is caused by an improper functioning or weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle usually stops food and acid from flowing back into the esophagus, which is triggered by eating spicy food, lying down after eating a heavy meal, pregnancy or obesity.

Yes, constant acid reflux episodes can weaken or damage the esophagus and even lead to esophageal cancer. Frequent refluxes can lead to inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and even narrowing of the esophagus.

Yes, this is called ‘silent reflux’. It causes symptoms like chronic throat clearing, hoarseness or a sore throat, without any burning sensation in the chest linked to heartburn.

Foods and drinks that trigger or make acid reflux symptoms worse include chocolate, spicy and oily foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

You should see a doctor if;
  • You have acid reflux episodes more than twice a week, in which case you could have GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
  • If you have trouble swallowing, chest pain or unexplained weight loss.
  • If over-the-counter medications don’t provide you with relief.
  • If acid reflux interferes with your nighttime sleep and daily activities.

Common symptoms include heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food or liquid, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes (e.g., avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals), antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

If untreated, acid reflux can lead to esophageal damage, ulcers, and a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Yes, acid reflux can be prevented by avoiding trigger foods (like citrus, chocolate, or spicy foods), eating smaller meals, not lying down right after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Acid reflux is a common condition, but when symptoms occur frequently (more than twice a week) and cause significant discomfort or damage, it is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more extreme and chronic type of acid reflux.
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