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Acid Reflux: The “burn stomach” we often complain about
By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
As our population becomes unhealthier, especially from consuming poor diets, acid reflux disease is becoming
Dr Zulfikar Bux
more 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 heartburn
- Burning in the throat or an acid taste in the throat
- Stomach or chest pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Having a raspy voice or a sore throat
- Unexplained cough
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO IMPROVE MY SYMPTOMS?
You might feel better if you:
- Lose weight (if you are overweight)
- Raise the head of your bed by six to eight inches
- Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse
- Cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink
- Stop smoking, if you smoke
- Eat a bunch of small meals each day, rather than two or three big meals
- Avoid lying down for three hours after a meal
- Avoid 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 garlic
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Fatty foods
- Coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea, cola, energy drinks
- Spicy foods
- Tomato and citrus juices
- Mint
- Pepper
- Aerated 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 time
- You cannot seem to control your symptoms
- You have had symptoms for many years
You should also see a doctor right away if you:
- Have trouble swallowing, or feel as though food gets “stuck” on the way down
- Lose weight when you are not trying to
- Have chest pain
- Choke when you eat
- Vomit blood or have bowel movements that are red, black, or look like tar
Following 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.
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