Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux occurs when the tube that you use to intake the food from the throat to stomach is not strong enough to handle the acid. The food taken in by you is digested by the stomach with the help of an acid produced and stored by it. The stomach walls are strong enough to store that acid without causing damage.

About Acid Reflux

For unknown reasons when acid flows, back into the esophagus from the stomach it creates heartburn, which is widely considered the first symptom of acid reflux or GERD. It leaves a constant chest burning sensation. When this happens regularly over a period of two to three times in a week with no visible relief even after medication, then you have acid reflux or GERD. A change in diet intake can give you relief to an extent from acid reflux attack, but if it reoccurs then one needs medical attention.

The main cause of acid reflux attack is when the lower esophageal sphincter which is a divider between stomach and esophagus gives up at inappropriate times, thereby not blocking the entry of acid into esophagus. This stomach acid then flows back into the esophagus and it causes severe heartburn right in between the chest.

If not treated appropriately, acid reflux attack for a prolonged period can wear out the inner protective lining of esophagus.
Doctors call this erosive esophagitis. A doctor can find out whether you have this condition through a simple endoscopy. He can also treat you for this acid reflux condition depending on the extent of the damage.

It is better to sleep on the left side of your stomach than your right side. Sleeping on your left side is better for you not to experience acid reflux symptoms like heartburn.

If you make it a habit to sleep with your head in an elevated position then that would reduce heartburn during your sleep. This can be achieved using one or two extra pillows.

You can still eat any time you feel like eating, but make it very small portions. If you skip food in between for so long, you will end up eating a big meal in the end and it is going to cause the worsening of your acid reflux condition.

You could try chewing gum in between meals. This would create a lot of saliva in your mouth and this can wash down any leftover acids from your esophagus and throat. Saliva is alkaline in nature and is going to neutralize the acids to some extent.

Avoid mint-flavored gums because mint is known to worsen acid reflux condition in many people.

You can also suck on cough drops like halls or antacids. They will provide you with the same effect.

Drinking water can dilute the stomach acids and can be helpful in reducing your heartburn condition.

Do not lay down right after a big meal. The ideal case is to sleep only four hours after having your dinner.

There is good News for Acid Reflux patients. Acid Reflux is a medical condition which if diagnosed in time can be treated. Contact your doctor for further advice and guidance on overcoming your acid reflux condition.

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