Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes Acid Reflux signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of Acid Reflux include acid reflux and heartburn. Both are common digestive conditions that many people experience from time to time. When these signs and symptoms occur at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, doctors call this Acid Reflux.

Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But for people with Acid Reflux, these remedies may offer only temporary relief. People with Acid Reflux may need stronger medications, even surgery, to reduce symptoms.

What are the Symptoms?

Acid Reflux signs and symptoms include:

1. A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
2. Chest pain
3. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
4. Dry cough
5. Hoarseness or sore throat
6. Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
7. Sensation of a lump in the throat

When to see a doctor Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, especially when accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience severe or frequent Acid Reflux symptoms. If you take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice per week, see your doctor.

What are the Causes?

Acid Reflux is caused by frequent acid reflux, the backup of stomach acid or bile into the esophagus.

When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter, a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again.

However, if this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing frequent heartburn and disrupting your daily life. This constant backwash of acid can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing it to become inflamed (esophagitis). Over time, the inflammation can erode the esophagus, causing complications such as bleeding or breathing problems.

Tests and Diagnosis

If you are bothered by frequent heartburn or other signs and symptoms, your doctor may be able to diagnose Acid Reflux with that information alone. Your doctor may also suggest tests and procedures used to diagnose Acid Reflux, including:

1. An X-ray of your upper digestive system. Sometimes called a barium swallow or upper GI series, this procedure involves drinking a chalky liquid that coats and fills the inside lining of your digestive tract. Then X-rays are taken of your upper digestive tract. The coating allows your doctor to see a silhouette of the shape and condition of your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine (duodenum).
2. Passing a flexible tube down your throat. Endoscopy is a way to visually examine the inside of your esophagus. During endoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat. The endoscope allows your doctor to examine your esophagus and stomach. Your doctor may also use endoscopy to collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) for further testing. Endoscopy is useful in looking for complications of reflux, such as Barrett's esophagus.
3. A test to monitor the amount of acid in your esophagus. Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests use an acid-measuring device to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid regurgitates into your esophagus. The acid monitor can be a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that's threaded through your nose into your esophagus. During the test, the tube stays in place and connects to a small computer that you wear around your waist or with a strap over your shoulder. Or the acid monitor can be a clip that's placed in your esophagus during endoscopy. The probe transmits a signal to a small computer that you wear around your waist for about two days, and then the probe falls off to be passed in your stool. Your doctor may ask that you stop taking Acid Reflux medications to prepare for this test.
4. A test to measure the movement of the esophagus. Esophageal motility testing measures movement and pressure in the esophagus. The test involves placing a catheter through your nose and into your esophagus.

Treatments

Treatment for heartburn and other signs and symptoms of Acid Reflux usually begins with over-the-counter medications that control acid. If you don't experience relief within a few weeks, your doctor may recommend other treatments, including medications and surgery.

Natural Remedies

No alternative medicine therapies are proven to treat Acid Reflux or to reverse damage to the esophagus. Still, some complementary and alternative therapies may provide some relief, when combined with your doctor's care.

Talk to your doctor about what alternative Acid Reflux treatments may be safe for you. Options may include:

1. Herbal remedies. Herbal remedies sometimes used for Acid Reflux symptoms include licorice, slippery elm, chamomile and marshmallow. Herbal remedies can have serious side effects, and they may interfere with medications. Ask your doctor about a safe dosage before beginning any herbal remedy.
2. Relaxation therapies. Techniques to calm stress and anxiety may reduce signs and symptoms of Acid Reflux. Ask your doctor about relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
3. Acupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body. One small study reported that acupuncture helped people with heartburn that persisted despite medication. Ask your doctor whether acupuncture is safe for you.