Do you also get frequent heartburn? Let's talk about Acid Reflux and GERD!

Imagine you've just had a good night's sleep and you feel a burning sensation in your chest. Or you feel like food is coming up your throat with a sour taste. This is what many of us think of as 'gastritis', but it could actually be a condition called Acid Reflux. While it's normal to feel this way occasionally, if it happens regularly, it could be a medical condition. Let's talk about this in a simple way today.

Simply put, what are Acid Reflux and GERD?

When the food we eat goes into our stomach, it should go all the way down, not up again. But sometimes the harsh acids in your stomach flow back up, into your esophagus, into your throat. This is what we call Acid Reflux.

This acid is a very strong substance that is used to digest food. So when it gets where it doesn't belong, namely in the esophagus, it burns the delicate tissues and causes a burning sensation. This is what we feel as heartburn.

This is not a problem if it happens occasionally. But for some people, it happens regularly, more than twice a week, for a long time. This persistent acid reflux condition is what we medically call GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Simply put, GERD is a recurring acid reflux disease. This can be life-threatening and can damage your esophagus.

What are the symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD?

In this situation, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Let's take a look at the main symptoms you may experience.

Situations where symptoms may worsen

• When you lie down to sleep at night.
• After eating a big meal with a lot of oil and chili.
• When you lean forward.
• When smoking or drinking alcohol.

Do small babies get GERD too?

Yes. It's normal for babies to spit up milk. But for some babies, it can be a little more severe. That's called GERD in babies. Premature babies and babies born with certain conditions in their esophagus are at higher risk.

See if your baby has these symptoms:

• Constant crying and restlessness for no reason.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Refusal to drink milk.
• Frequent vomiting.
• Wheezing or hoarseness of voice when breathing.
• Bad breath.

Why do we get Acid Reflux?

Simply put, there is a muscle that acts like a valve between our esophagus and stomach. We call this the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) . It's like the cap on a water bottle. When we swallow, it opens and lets food pass into the stomach, and then it closes tightly again. This prevents the contents of the stomach from coming back up.

Acid reflux occurs when the LES becomes weak or too loose, allowing stomach acid to flow back up. There are several reasons for this.

• Hiatal Hernia: This is when the upper part of your stomach pushes up into your chest. This weakens the LES and allows acid to come up more easily. This condition becomes more common as you age.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the LES relaxes due to the pressure from the growing uterus and hormonal changes. This is why many mothers experience heartburn during this time. This usually subsides after the baby is born.
• Obesity: As body weight increases, especially in the abdominal area, pressure on the stomach can increase and weaken the LES.
• Smoking: The chemicals in tobacco relax the LES, and the cough caused by smoking also affects it.
• Certain foods and drinks: Eating too much of things like chocolate, coffee, alcohol, mint, garlic, and onions can relax the LES. Also, fatty, fried foods increase the risk of reflux because they stay in the stomach longer and increase stomach acid production.
• Certain medications: Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, depression, and pain relievers (NSAIDs), can also affect the LES. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking.

What happens if GERD is ignored?

Stomach acid is a very strong substance. While the lining of your stomach can withstand this acid, your esophagus doesn't have that protection. So when the acid keeps coming up, things like this can happen:

• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. This can cause ongoing pain, difficulty swallowing, and ulcers.
• Barrett's Esophagus: Long-term exposure to acid causes changes in the lining of the esophagus. This is considered a precancerous condition that can increase the risk of cancer.
• Esophageal Stricture: Continued damage can cause scar tissue to form in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food and drink.
• Respiratory system problems: If acid gets into the throat and enters the respiratory tract, it can worsen asthma or cause new asthma-like symptoms.

How does a doctor know for sure if this is GERD?

After listening to your symptoms, your doctor may refer you for several tests, if necessary.

• Upper Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin tube with a camera through your mouth and examining the inside of your esophagus and stomach.
• Esophagram (Barium Swallow X-ray): A liquid called barium is swallowed and an X-ray is used to examine how it moves down the esophagus.
• Esophageal pH test: A test that measures the amount of acid inside the esophagus.
• Esophageal Manometry: A test that measures how well the muscles in the esophagus and LES are working.

What are the treatments for GERD?

There are several ways to manage GERD. Treatments range from lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery.

1. Changes in lifestyle and eating habits

Often, these simple changes can provide great relief:

• Don't eat a lot at once, eat small amounts several times a day.
• Eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
• Avoid oil, chili, spicy foods, fried foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and smoking.
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
• Don't wear clothes that are tight on your stomach.
• Keep your head slightly elevated when sleeping.

2. Medicines (medicines)

If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication.

3. Surgery

If you have severe GERD that can't be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend surgery. This involves strengthening the weakened LES muscle. A Nissen Fundoplication is the most common surgery.

What can you do for quick relief when you have acid reflux?

If you're experiencing chest pain right now, try these things:

• If you are lying down, stand up straight.
• Drink some water. Don't drink too much, just a few sips is enough.
• If the clothes you're wearing are tight around your stomach, loosen them a little.
• If you have an antacid, take it.