Acid Reflux - Acid Reflux Causes - Acid Reflex Symptoms

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About Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or Acid Reflux, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have acid reflux without heartburn.

Causes

No one knows why people get acid reflux. A hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest.

Other factors that may contribute to acid reflux include

Also, certain foods can be associated with reflux events, including

citrus fruits
chocolate
drinks with caffeine
fatty and fried foods
garlic and onions
mint flavorings
spicy foods
tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza

Treatment for Acid Reflux

If you have had heartburn or any of the other symptoms for a while, you should see your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes

If you smoke, stop.
Do not drink alcohol.
Lose weight if needed.
Eat small meals.
Wear loose-fitting clothes.
Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.
Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting blocks of wood under the bedposts—just using extra pillows will not help.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter antacids, which you can buy without a prescription, or medications that stop acid production or help the muscles that empty your stomach.

Natural Remedies

Hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes are sometimes recommended by practitioners of natural medicine in the hope improved digestion will help prevent reflux. However, these therapies have not been researched for their effectiveness.

References for Acid Reflux Article

Golan R. Optimal Wellness. New York: Ballantine Books, 1995, 373–4.
Morgan AG, Pacsoo C, McAdam WA. Maintenance therapy: A two year comparison between Caved-S and cimetidine treatment in the prevention of symptomatic gastric ulcer. Gut 1985;26:599–602.
Kassir ZA. Endoscopic controlled trial of four drug regimens in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulceration. Ir Med J 1985;78:153–6.
Glick L. Deglycyrrhinated licorice in peptic ulcer. Lancet 1982;ii:817 [letter].
Das SK, Das V, Gulati AK, Singh VP. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. J Assoc Physicians India 1989;37:647.
Markham C, Reed PI. Pyrogastrone treatment of peptic oesophagitis: analysis of 104 patients treated during a 3 1/2-year period. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1980;65:73–82.
Reed PI, Davies WA. Controlled trial of a carbenoxolone/alginate antacid combination in reflux oesophagitis. Curr Med Res Opin 1978;5:637–44.
Young GP, Nagy GS, Myren J, et al. Treatment of reflux oesophagitis with a carbenoxolone/antacid/alginate preparation. A double-blind controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 1986;21:1098–104.
Maxton DG, Heald J, Whorwell PJ, Haboubi NY. Controlled trial of pyrogastrone and cimetidine in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis. Gut 1990;31:351–4.
Golan R. Optimal Wellness. New York: Ballantine Books, 1995, 373–4.
Chevrel B. A comparative crossover study on the treatment of heartburn and epigastric pain: Liquid Gaviscon and a magnesium-aluminum antacid gel. J Int Med Res 1980;8:300–3.
National Institutes of Health

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