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By Dr Zulfikar BuxAssistant Professor of Emergency MedicineAs our population becomes unhealthier, especially from consuming poor diets, acid reflux disease is becomingDr Zulfikar Buxmore common. Studies are now showing that symptoms of acid reflux disease have risen by 50% over the last decade. Preventing or controlling acid reflux is an important step in being able to have a productive and healthy life.WHAT IS ACID REFLUX?Acid reflux is when the acid that is normally in your stomach backs up into the esophagus, a tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Another term for acid reflux is “gastroesophageal reflux disease,” or GERD.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX?The symptoms include:Burning in the chest, known as heartburnBurning in the throat or an acid taste in the throatStomach or chest painTrouble swallowingHaving a raspy voice or a sore throatUnexplained coughIS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO IMPROVE MY SYMPTOMS?You might feel better if you ose weight (if you are overweight)Raise the head of your bed by six to eight inchesAvoid foods that make your symptoms worseCut down on the amount of alcohol you drinkStop smoking, if you smokeEat a bunch of small meals each day, rather than two or three big mealsAvoid lying down for three hours after a mealAvoid anti inflammatory pain medications such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Advil etc.WHAT FOODS AGGRAVATE ACID REFLUX?Certain foods may stimulate the production of stomach acid and may irritate the esophagus. Common foods that may cause acid reflux include:Onions and garlicChocolateAlcoholFatty foodsCoffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea,Adidas Nmd r1 Pink, cola, energy drinksSpicy foodsTomato and citrus juicesMintPepperAerated drinks WHAT TREATMENTS CAN HELP WITH MY ACID REFLUX?There are a few main types of medicines that can help with the symptoms of acid reflux: antacids, surface acting agents, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. All of these medicines work by reducing or blocking stomach acid. But they each do that in a different way.Antacids and surface acting agents (Tums, DICA, Gastrivol etc) can relieve mild symptoms, but they work only for a short time. Histamine blockers (Ranitidine etc) are stronger and last longer than antacids and surface acting agents. You can buy antacids and most histamine blockers without a prescription.Proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid etc) are the most effective medicines in treating GERD. Some of these medicines are sold without a prescription. But there are other versions that your doctor can prescribe. SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT MY ACID REFLUX?Some people can manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking nonprescription medicines. But you should see a doctor if:Your symptoms are severe or last a long timeYou cannot seem to control your symptomsYou have had symptoms for many yearsYou should also see a doctor right away if you:Have trouble swallowing, or feel as though food gets “stuck” on the way downLose weight when you are not trying toHave chest painChoke when you eatVomit blood or have bowel movements that are red, black, or look like tarFollowing the steps above should help to keep your symptoms of acid reflux under control. Do not ignore your symptoms, since acid reflux can lead to catastrophic consequences over time. |
