What is Acid Reflux Disease?
The human body is composed of
several valves, and one such valve exists at the entrance of our
stomach. It is known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which closes as
soon as food passes through it. When it doesn't close at all or closes
but opens up too often, then the acid produced in our stomach finds a
way to travel upwards to the esophagus. This action causes burning chest
pain (commonly called as heartburn) which in medical terms is known as
acid reflux. If it happens more than two times in a week, then this
abnormality is termed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What Causes Acid Reflux Disease?
The following list mentions the common risk factors for reflux disease:
- Eating large meals.
- Being obese or overweight.
- After a heavy meal lying on back or bending at the waist.
- Eating spicy or fatty foods or sometimes eating tomatoes, chocolate, garlic, onion or citrus foods also causes acid reflux action.
- Smoking.
- Being pregnant.
- Eating snacks before bedtime.
- Taking aspirin, blood pressure medications, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxers
- Drinking beverages like tea, coffee, carbonated drinks or alcohol.
What Are the Indications of Acid Reflux Disease?
- Heartburn- A burning pain or discomfort starting from stomach towards abdomen or chest till throat.
- Regurgitation- A sour or bitter acid taste backing up in mouth or throat.
- Bloody or black stools
- Bloody vomiting
- Burping
- Dysphagia- A feeling of narrowing esophagus as if food is stuck in the throat.
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Wheezing, hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or a dry cough.
- Sometimes weight loss
Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Cured with Lifestyle Changes?
One of the best ways to avoid acid reflux is to elude the foods which trigger this action. Follow the below guidelines:
- Avoid eating large meals and instead eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid eating anything at least two to three hours before sleep.
- If you are obese or overweight, then adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce weight.
- Try taking daytime naps in a chair.
- Avoid wearing tight apparels.
- Try keeping your head four to six inches high while sleeping.
Acid Reflux Treatment in San Antonio
If
the lifestyle as mentioned above changes don't help, then immediately
connect with the experienced doctors at Digestive & Liver Disease
Center of San Antonio PLLC. They use advanced diagnostic methods for
treating conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, liver diseases, colon
cancer and many more. For more information book an appointment now.
