Acid reflux is a common condition that affects approximately 20% of the UK adult population, causing discomfort and potential health complications. But what exactly is acid reflux, and how can you manage it? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the basics of acid reflux, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
How does acid reflux happen?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This backwash, known as acid regurgitation, can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
The symptoms of acid reflux can vary in severity, but the most common include:
Heartburn
A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating, which might be worse at night or when lying down.
Regurgitation
A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
Chest pain
Often mistaken for heart-related issues, acid reflux can cause discomfort or pain in the chest.
Chronic cough
Persistent cough that may be mistaken for respiratory conditions.
Hoarseness
A raspy or hoarse voice, especially in the morning.
Sensation of a lump
Feeling of a lump in the throat.
What causes acid reflux?
Several factors can contribute to the development of acid reflux:
Diet
Consuming large meals or lying down right after eating can trigger reflux. Certain foods and drinks, such as fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and spicy foods can also promote acid reflux.
Obesity
Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure, pushing stomach acid up into the esophagus.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the stomach can cause reflux in pregnant women.
Smoking
Smoking can impair muscle reflexes and increase acid secretion.
Medications
Certain medications such as ibuprofen, and some muscle relaxers can trigger acid reflux.
Lifestyle changes
To reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, there are many lifestyle changes you can make:
Consume smaller meals
When you eat larger meals, you are stretching the stomach and increasing acid production. Eating smaller, frequent meals however can reduce the acid production.
Avoid trigger foods
Identify foods that trigger your symptoms such as spicy foods and take note of them to avoid consumption in the future. It may help if you keep a food diary to do this.
Elevate your head
When you’re sleeping, use a wedge pillow to elevate your head. Most studies suggest that the ideal height of bed head elevation is at least 6-8 inches (15-20 centimetres). This height is medically proven to prevent acid reflux when lying down.
Maintain a healthy weight
Extra weight applies added pressure on the stomach, causing acid from the stomach to move up into the oesophagus. This triggers acid reflux symptoms like heartburn.
Avoid lying down after eating
Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed to avoid acid from the stomach travelling upwards into the oesophagus.
Acid Reflux Treatments at Be Well
Here at Be Well, we have a several medical treatments to help manage acid reflux. This includes medications such as Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Omeprazole. These are all proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid production, providing relief from acid reflux and its symptoms. Get started by filling out our quick and easy consultation below.