Acid reflux is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes incompetent acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. You will need maintenance treatment with acid suppressants like omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.
However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.
Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of GERD treatment is losing weight.
Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.
A large meal entering the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Acid Reflux can be affected by certain foods. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Removing cow's milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
Some drugs can affect the LES and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
Acid reflux is affected by female hormones. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.
Opt for liquid medication if you have GERD and need treatment. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. GERD symptoms improve when you give up smoking.
Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of GERD. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop GERD symptoms.
If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
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Great info, very interesting. Rgds. Kenton Bruice MD