Gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux is a condition in which the content from the stomach flows back to the esophagus. It is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation. This backward flow of the acid or content can irritate the lining of the esophagus tube.
It is common to experience the signs of acid reflux from time to time, given our lifestyle habits. But if the symptoms develop more than twice a week, you need to see your doctor.
Acid reflux can be managed at home with some lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. But in many cases, the discomfort can be intense and need stronger medications or surgery to ease the signs.
Untreated GERD can trigger serious complications. So, its management is necessary at the right time.
Acid Reflux in infants
GERD is also common in babies. You might have seen babies spitting up food and vomit sometimes; it is a sign of acid reflux. But if this happens more frequently, you are suggested to visit a doctor.
Other potential signs and symptoms of GERD in infants include:
- Refusal to eat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gagging or choking
- Wet burps
- Irritability during or after feeding
- Arching of their back during or after feeding
- Weight loss
- Poor growth
- Chronic cough or pneumonia
- Difficulty sleeping
These are also the signs of tongue-tie in babies, a condition in which the strip of skin joining the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is unusual in size.
GERD Causes
The term “gastroesophageal” refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux means the backflow. Gastroesophageal is when the acid in the stomach returns to the esophageal.
There is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter at the entrance of the stomach. Normally, when we eat food or consume anything, the LES closes as soon as food gets down. However, in case the LES does not close all the way or remains open often, the acid in the stomach travels back to the esophagus. This acid can cause a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest called heartburn.
Risk factor
Multiple conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include:
- Obesity
- Projection of the top of the stomach up into the diaphragm
- Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Pregnancy
Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include:
- Smoking
- Eating large meals
- Late-night eating
- Certain foods that trigger acid reflux, such as fatty or fried foods
- Certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee, also cause acid reflux
- Prolonged use of certain medications, such as aspirin
Symptoms
GERD or acid reflux come along with various signs and symptoms, including:
- A burning sensation in your chest after eating that usually gets worse at night
- Pain in the chest
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Regurgitation of food
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
Nighttime acid reflux may come with little different signs, such as:
- Chronic cough
- Laryngitis
- New or worsening asthma
- Disrupted sleep
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you experience chest pain or heartburn after eating, jaw or arm pain, or shortness of breath.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will do a series of tests to know if the signs correlate to GERD or something more serious. Based on the tests, he will be able to figure out if lifestyle changes and antacids can help with your condition, or you need intense medications to ease the signs.
He may order the following tests:
Barium swallow (esophagram). It is an imaging test that looks out for problems in the upper tract, such as ulcers. You are supposed to swallow a solution to show up the images of the GI tract on an X-ray.
Esophageal manometry. The test checks the function of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter.
The doctor inserts a device called a pH monitor into your esophagus for a day or two. The test helps check the amount of acid in your esophagus.
In an upper endoscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) down the throat to examine the inside of the esophagus and stomach. A biopsy is also done using endoscopy to collect a sample tissue for infection or abnormality.
The difference between GERD and heartburn
Heartburn mostly occurs during acid reflux. People with acid reflux commonly experience heartburn from time to time, and so it is not a matter of concern for them.
Experiencing heartburn more than twice a week can be a sign of GERD.
Lifestyle ways to prevent acid reflux
Acid reflux or GERD is mostly caused by our eating pattern. So, making changes in your diet can help ease the signs. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger signs, such as:
- Fried or spicy foods
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruit
- Tomato
- Onion
- Garlic
- alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks
Steps you can take to avoid acid reflux
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of large meals.
- Eat only when you are hungry.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Stack a couple of pillows and lift your head.
- Avoid late-night eating.
- For daytime naps, you can use a comfortable chair.
- Don’t wear tight belts.
- Work on your weight.
- Do not drink ice water.
- Exercise or practice yoga to boost your digestion.
- Treat constipation using home remedies.
Ayurvedic treatment for acid reflux
As per Ayurveda, aggravation of the Pitta dosha is the cause of acid reflux. Pitta in the Ayurveda indicates digestive fire or heat. Its nature is hot, sharp, intense, pungent, and acidic and is found in the stomach.
Here are some ayurvedic tips for your reference:
- Use spices like turmeric, hing (asafetida), cumin, fennel seeds, etc., in your diet.
- Make ginger or cumin tea and consume it at least once a day.
- Sip lukewarm water when eating to help digestion.
- Avoid combinations, such as hot and cold food or raw and cooked food.