What is acid reflux?
The word reflux is drawn from the Latin word refluxus which means ‘flow back’ or to recede. If you are suffering from acid reflux, the stomach acids retreat back to the esophagus causing pain and discomfort which is referred to many as heartburn. It is important that you know there is a difference between a heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn involves the sensation while acid reflux in involves the action. Heartburn is associated with pain while acid reflux facilitated the movement of the acids back to the esophagus.
Symptoms of acid reflux
One of the common symptoms of acid reflux is consistent chest pains caused by the sensations associated with the heartburns. You are likely to experience dental erosion and dsyphagia which makes swallowing of food difficult. Your voice becomes hoarse and experience difficulty in speech. You are also likely to experience regurgitation which means bringing of swallowed food back to your mouth. Acid reflux is also known to cause asthma. This is when seeping up gastric juices up the throat to the mouth.
Cause of acid reflux
It occurs if the esophagus sphincter is not functioning well hence allowing the seepage of acids to the esophagus from the stomach. It is not known why the esophagus is faulty and the main reason suspected is when the stomach pressure is higher than what the esophagus sphincter can accommodate. The pressure may result from a number of factors and the factors include;
i) Heavy meals and poor eating habits
If you take heavy meals, your acid reflux increases. It is recommended that you eat a light and healthy diet. The type of food you eat also matters, if you are into junk, then it may be a common contributor to acidic flux.
ii) Hiatal hernia
This when the stomach upper part protrudes to the chest facilitated by the diaphragms small opening. This condition is caused by excessive coughing.
iii) Alcohol
Cutting down alcohol consumption can improve the functioning of the esophagus and reduces the chances of getting acid reflux.
Treatment for acid reflux
Eating a balanced diet
You should avoid foods and drinks that cause heartburns. The foods and drinks include tomatoes vinegar, garlic, spicy food, coffee, chilli source and alcohol.
Medication
You can use antacids which contain basic substance and neutralise the acids in the stomach. Acids suppressants are also considered to be effective. The most common is histamine which reduces inflammation.