Causes & Treatment of Acid Reflux

Whether you deal with a chronic or a sporadic case of acid reflux, you're likely interested in ways to control symptoms. Acid reflux affects adults and children. While some cases are undiagnosed or produce mild symptoms, acid reflux can cause extreme heartburn, uncontrollable coughing and regurgitation. Additionally, this seemingly harmless condition increases a person's risk of becoming ill with esophageal, throat or oral cancer.

Causes

There is a opening between the stomach and the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), located at the base of the esophagus, is a muscle that involuntarily opens and closes to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach. In the case of acid reflux, the LES muscle does not close properly. As a result, stomach acid can travel or back flow into the esophagus.

Medications

Medications are useful in the treatment of acid reflux disease. Over-the-counter antacids treat the condition by decreasing stomach acid. These medications are recommended for mild cases of acid reflux. Individuals living with chronic acid reflux will likely require a prescription medication, which limits the production of stomach acid and controls symptoms. Prescription medications can also reverse damage to the esophagus.

Reduce Body Weight

Losing weight can improve acid reflux symptoms. Even if you're not obese, stomach weight increases abdominal pressure. And in some cases, the weight causes the stomach to push upwards. This extra pressure allows stomach acid to travel up the esophagus, and this can produce symptoms such as coughing, heartburn, sore throat and regurgitation.

Adopt an Acid Reflux Diet

Specific foods are proven to trigger acid reflux. However, eliminating these foods from your diet can dramatically improve your symptoms, and ultimately heal your esophagus. Common problem foods include chocolate, tomato products, coffee, caffeinated drinks, fatty foods, alcohol and peppermints.

Keep the Head Elevated

After eating, keeping the head elevated is a simple way to prevent acid reflux. This includes staying in an upright position after meals, and allowing two to three hours to pass before going to bed after meals. Also, elevating the head of your bed (at least six inches) can keep food and liquids in your stomach while sleeping. Use wood or cement blocks to raise the head of the bed.