Your stomach is exposed to multiple substances throughout the day. This can make it and its associated structures prone to various issues due to exposure to some substances or malfunctioning systems. A typical issue affecting your stomach is Cypress acid reflux. This issue can be handled promptly by an acid reflux specialist. More concerning acid reflux and what it involves is discussed further below.
What is Acid reflux?
This is a condition in which acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. The condition is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux disease, or simply acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when the LES, a ring of muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus, relaxes and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Acid reflux is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the exact cause of acid reflux is unknown, several factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and anatomy can contribute to the situation. Acid reflux is typically dealt with through lifestyle changes and medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This may cause heartburn and may potentially damage the esophagus.
The primary cause of acid reflux is a malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES is a sector of muscle at the base of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. Usually, the LES opens to let food into the stomach and closes to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Many things can cause the LES to malfunction, including:
· Eating large meals
· Lying down immediately after eating
· Eating certain foods, such as fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and mint
· Drinking certain beverages, such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, and coffee
· Smoking
· Stress
· Obesity
Symptoms of acid reflux include:
· Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. It is a burning sensation in the chest that can be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, nausea, and bloating
· Chest pain is another common symptom of acid reflux. This pain may be caused by the stomach acid irritating the esophagus. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over.
· A sour taste in the mouth is another common symptom of acid reflux. This is caused by the stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
Treatment for acid reflux typically depends on the severity of the symptoms:
· For mild symptoms, over-the-counter antacids may be sufficient.
· For more severe symptoms, prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be necessary. PPIs work by inhibiting how much stomach acid is produced.
· Surgery may be done to deal with the underlying problem causing acid reflux. Surgery is typically only recommended for people with severe symptoms that do not respond to other treatments.
Acid reflux can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. However, some things can be done to help relieve the symptoms. Most people with acid reflux can live normal, healthy lives with treatment. Further insight into acid reflux can be found on our website or by calling our Houston, TX offices.
