Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes incompetent acid reflux will result. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
So can you cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. A change in lifestyle is sometimes all you need.
A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of acid reflux treatment.
Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.
Large volume of food in the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Certain foods can affect GERD. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Removing cow's milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
Some drugs can affect the LES and cause acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson's disease are in this list.
Female hormones can affect GERD symptoms. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting clearance of food from the esophagus.
Opt for liquid medication if you have GERD and need treatment. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Try not to take medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Acid Reflux symptoms improve when you give up smoking.
GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Acid reflux symptoms can develop in joggers.
If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
