Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid and digestive juices flow back into the esophagus. This happens when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) doesn't close properly or becomes weakened, allowing acid to escape.

Acid reflux is increasingly common today, especially among working adults with busy lifestyles, irregular eating habits, or chronic stress. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, or esophageal stricture.

Common acid reflux symptoms include:

• Heartburn — A burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen, especially after eating or when lying down
• Acid regurgitation — A sour or bitter taste in the mouth from acid backing up
• Bloating and gas — Feeling full, gassy, or frequent burping
• Difficulty swallowing — Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
• Chronic cough or hoarseness — Acid irritating the throat and voice box
• Nausea — Especially after large meals
• Chest pain — May mimic heart disease; consult a doctor for proper diagnosis

If you experience these symptoms frequently (more than twice a week), consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate treatment.

Acid reflux results from multiple factors:

Dietary habits:

• Eating large meals or overeating
• Lying down immediately after eating or eating late at night
• Consuming fatty, fried, spicy, or acidic foods, chocolate, or mint
• Drinking coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, or alcohol

Lifestyle factors:

• Chronic stress
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Wearing tight clothing around the abdomen

Physical factors:

• Pregnancy (uterus pressing on stomach)
• Hiatal hernia
• Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
• Certain medications such as NSAIDs, blood pressure medications, or muscle relaxants

Acid reflux treatment involves two main approaches:

1. Medications:

• Antacids such as Aluminium Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide — Neutralizes stomach acid immediately for quick relief
• H2 Blockers such as Ranitidine, Famotidine — Reduces acid production by blocking Histamine H2 receptors
• PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) such as Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole — Blocks acid production at the source; used for long-term treatment
• Mucosal protectants such as Sucralfate — Coats and protects stomach and esophageal lining

2. Lifestyle modifications:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid trigger foods (fatty, spicy, acidic, coffee, alcohol)
• Don't lie down immediately after eating (wait 2-3 hours)
• Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches
• Lose weight if overweight
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress

Prevent acid reflux by:

• Eating on schedule — Don't let your stomach stay empty too long
• Chewing food thoroughly — Aids digestion
• Avoiding trigger foods — Reduce fatty, fried, very spicy, or very sour foods
• Not eating late at night — Have your last meal at least 3 hours before bed
• Maintaining a healthy weight — Reduces pressure on the stomach
• Managing stress — Exercise, meditate, get enough rest
• Avoiding tight clothing — Especially around the waist and abdomen

Bloating and gas often accompany acid reflux. Ways to relieve these symptoms include:

• Drink warm water — Stimulates digestion and helps release gas
• Take a gentle walk after meals — Improves digestive function
• Massage your abdomen clockwise — Helps release gas and reduce bloating
• Drink warm ginger water — Ginger helps expel gas and ease discomfort
• Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum — Reduces swallowed air
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly — Minimizes air intake while eating

Recommended foods:

• Rice, bread, whole grains
• Lean meats, fish, chicken
• Green vegetables, cucumber, broccoli
• Bananas, apples, watermelon
• Low-fat milk, yogurt
• Water, ginger tea

Foods to avoid:

• Fried and fatty foods
• Very spicy or sour foods
• Chocolate, mint
• Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks
• Alcohol
• Tomatoes, oranges, lemons

1. Mayo Clinic - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
2. NHS - Heartburn and acid reflux
3. American College of Gastroenterology - Acid Reflux
4. Cleveland Clinic - GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux)
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Acid Reflux (GER & GERD)
6. WebMD - What Is Acid Reflux Disease?
7. Harvard Health - 9 ways to relieve acid reflux without medication