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What is Acid Reflux ?
By Witty Banter
Exactly what is Acid Reflux? Well in layman’s terms, it is when the acid produced in the stomach flows back up into the oesophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). Because, over time, this acid damages the lining of the oesophagus, it can cause pain and discomfort following a meal and particularly at night when lying down.
This is because at the bottom of the oesophagus, where it joins on to the top of the stomach, is a strong muscular sphincter which should not let anything back through once it’s entered the stomach. However with acid reflux, this sphincter is too relaxed and hence allows the backwards flow. Common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn - a burning sensation right behind the breastbone and up into the throat; “regurgitating” food - usually with an acid or sour taste; burping and bloating. Acid reflux is usually a chronic condition, which means that it occurs quite frequently. Although minor changes in diet and lifestyle normally help, there isn’t actually a cure for it. Some OTC (over the counter) medicines can give temporary relief but often sufferers have to avoid foods and drinks that may aggravate the symptoms, eat no less than 4 hours before going to sleep, lose weight, and try to stop smoking. WOW ! Antacid preparations work quickly to lower the acidity of the stomach juices and if they are combined with a foaming agent they cause a foam barrier which covers the contents of the stomach and prevents the back-flow into the oesophagus. By allowing a period of time between the last meal and going to bed, you are reducing the amount of material inside the stomach which may reflux when lying down. Lying down to sleep shifts the position of the stomach and puts it level with the oesophagus, so try to raise your head on pillows. Smoking tobacco reduces the production of saliva (which protects the oesophagus), increases stomach acid production and relaxes the sphincter and therefore contributes to the reflux symptoms. Being even slightly overweight may cause additional problems because the extra weight around the abdomen can put pressure on the stomach contents and push them up and into the oesophagus. Even in healthy individuals, occasional bouts of heartburn can be caused by “over-doing” alcohol and spicy food or by having a high fat meal or snack. If, however, the frequency and severity of the attacks cause concern, then a visit to the doctor is advised as it may be there is a physical cause. He would need to know how often you have heartburn, how long it lasts and how severe it is.
You also need to inform him if you are taking prescription medication and antacids as they may interact and cause additional problems. Studies show that people who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are more likely to develop symptoms of acid reflux disease, because they relax the oesophageal sphincter. Some of the best known of these NSAIDS are Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac. If the symptoms don’t improve with medication, further investigation may be required. An endoscopy is most often performed, once the patient is lightly sedated, after which a thin flexible tube is passed through the mouth and oesophagus and into the stomach. This allows the doctor to look for any inflammation or irritation. If there is anything slightly suspicious a small biopsy (sample of the lining) is taken for testing.
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