Acid Reflux Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment in Dallas

Acid Reflux Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment in Dallas; also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that occurs when stomach acid or bile frequently flows into the esophagus (tube connecting your mouth and stomach) and irritating the lining of the esophagus.

Some people experience acid reflux from time to time, while others may experience it multiple times in a week.

Symptoms of acid reflux

Common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn that usually occurs after eating
• Heartburn that gets worse at night
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting or regurgitation of food
• Feeling or sensation of a lump in your throat
• Chronic cough
• Asthma
• Sleeping problem

Causes of acid reflux

The major cause of acid reflux is the backflow of stomach acid or bile into your esophagus which irritates the lining of the esophagus. This is caused by a weakened or abnormally relaxed sphincter (a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus).

When the sphincter is very weak or relaxed, it doesn’t close up as it should normally do. This causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus and may cause the esophagus to become inflamed.

Treatment of acid reflux

If acid reflux is not timely treated, it can lead to narrowing of the esophagus, open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer), or precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).

Treatment options include:

Lifestyle remedies

Lifestyle remedies are recommended for early and mild symptoms of acid reflux. Lifestyle remedies include

Elevating your head when sleeping

If you experience heartburn regularly while lying on the bed, it is recommended that you elevate your body from your waist upward. You can place pillows to elevate your head. If this isn’t effective, you can raise the head end of your bed by placing wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.

Don’t lie down immediately after a meal

After eating, do not lie down immediately. Wait for at least three hours after eating before lying down.

Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly before swallowing

Eat your food slowly by taking bite bit by bit. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.

Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux

There are certain foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux. Common foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing around your waist

Avoid wearing clothes that fit tightly around your waist. This is because very tight clothes around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.

Over-the-counter medications

Certain over-the-counter medications can be used to treat acid reflux. These medications include:

Antacids

Antacids, such as Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums help to neutralize stomach acid and may provide quick relief.

Medications to reduce acid production

These medications are known as H-2-receptor blockers. Examples are cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine. H-2-receptor blockers provide longer relief, though they don’t act as quickly as antacids. They can reduce stomach acid production for up to 12 hours.

Proton pump inhibitors

These medications block acid production and heal the esophagus. Examples are lansoprazole and omeprazole.

Prescription medications

If over-the-counter medications don’t improve your condition, your doctor may prescribe certain medications such as:

Prescription-strength H-2-receptor blockers

These medications include prescription-strength famotidine and nizatidine.

Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors

These medications include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and dexlansoprazole.

Medication to strengthen lower esophageal sphincter

Medications such as Baclofen may ease acid reflux by reducing the frequency of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Be aware that most of these medications have some side effects when used for a prolonged period of time. Ensure that you follow your doctor’s prescriptions.

FAQ:

What helps acid reflux go away?

Practicing all the lifestyle remedies such as elevating your head when sleeping, not sleeping immediately after eating, avoiding foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes around your waist, and chewing food properly before swallowing can help acid reflux go away.

Take food such as oatmeal, couscous, and brown rice. Take more of root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beets, and green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli and green beans.

Does milk help acid reflux?

Milk contains some amount of fat which can aggravate acid reflux. Milk can be a great remedy for heartburn, which is a symptom of acid reflux. If you must take milk, take fat-free skim milk.

What can I drink for acid reflux?

Drinks that are recommended for acid reflux include herbal tea, low-fat or free-fat milk, plant-based milk, fruit juice, smoothies, coconut water, and water.

Is acid reflux curable?

Yes. Acid reflux is a treatable and curable disease.

What helps after a acid reflux attack?

Taking ginger tea can help soothe the stomach after a acid reflux attack. Ginger reduces the production of stomach acid. Drinking a mixture of baking soda with water, apple cider vinegar, and taking licorice supplements can also help.

What foods neutralize stomach acid?

Foods such as banana, melon, oatmeal, green vegetables, carrots, potatoes, ginger, and yogurt can help neutralize stomach acid.

Is water good for acid reflux?

Yes. Drinking water can aid digestion and help with acid reflux.

Are apples good for acid reflux?

Yes. Apples are a source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Apples have alkalizing minerals that can help with acid reflux.

Is bread good for acid reflux?

Whole grain bread is a good source of fiber. They can help absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Are eggs bad for acid reflux?

Yes. Eggs contain fat which are bad for acid reflux.

Is yogurt good for acid reflux?

Yes. Yogurt with probiotics helps to normalize stomach function. Yogurt is a good source of protein, and it soothes stomach discomfort.

Is cheese bad for acid reflux?

Yes. Cheese is high in fat and bad for acid reflux. It can trigger heartburn.

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