Acid reflux is common and can affect anyone with its annoying symptoms, ranging from a minor inconvenience such as heartburn after a big meal or a sour-tasting burp to a chronic condition known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the throat.
While it may seem harmless, untreated reflux can escalate into a more serious problem, potentially causing long-term damage if left unmanaged.
“Your stomach lining is made to deal with acid. Your esophagus is not,” says Dr. Raif Elsakr, a gastroenterologist at Tidelands Health Gastroenterology at The Market Common.
There are several factors that put you at risk for acid reflux, including:
- Being overweight
- Eating within three hours of bedtime (or lying down after a big meal)
- Eating foods high in fat
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Some medications
So, what can you do to reduce your reflux? Dr. Elsakr offers these suggestions:
Anti-acid tablets, such as TUMS, are made from calcium carbonate and can neutralize some of your stomach acid in the short term. For more persistent cases, over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec can temporarily shut down the system that releases acid into your stomach.
A full stomach can lead to acid leaking through the valve at the base of your esophagus, leading to heartburn. Try eating small meals rather than three large meals a day to see if that helps manage symptoms.
Fatty or fried foods take longer to break down and clear your stomach, which can trigger acid reflux for some people. Foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit, tomato products, alcohol and drinks with caffeine may also trigger symptoms.
Ideally, avoid eating within three hours of getting in bed; your stomach needs that time to process the food. Another option is sleeping with your upper body raised about six inches to help keep your stomach acid in place and reduce your reflux.
“If you find yourself having chronic or frequent bouts of reflux, it’s important to speak with your doctor,” Dr. Elsakr says. “Acid reflux can disguise other more serious health issues.”
Most people are able to manage their acid reflux with diet and lifestyle changes. However, call your health provider right away if:
- Your GERD symptoms don’t get better with treatment or they get worse
- You have new symptoms
- You have trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing
- You have a new cough
- You are losing weight unintentionally
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if any of these occur:
- Vomiting
- Blood in your vomit or stool
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling weak or faint
- Chest or jaw pain
If you can’t find relief through these home remedies, Tidelands Health Gastroenterology offers advanced gastrointestinal care and treatment to help improve your quality of life.