Acid reflux is characterised by regurgitation of acidic fluid from the stomach into the oesophagus
Most people have experienced a bout of indigestion or acid reflux at some point. It typically occurs after a greasy meal, excessive alcohol, or during pregnancy. It’s not pleasant, and in many cases, can be outright uncomfortable and painful to manage, especially if it is a recurring problem.
Quick Read:
- Common triggers of acid reflux include fatty foods, spicy meals, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and eating too close to bedtime.
- Some people find that laying down after a meal makes acid reflux feel worse.
- Acid reflux isn’t comfortable, but there are remedies that can offer some relief.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux and heartburn are related. Acid reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents are released back up into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth. The problem results from the inefficiency of the muscular valve at the lower end of the oesophagus.
Heartburn affects many people, and most frequently occurs from overeating, spicy foods and/or stress. This can cause that familiar and uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest, which slowly starts to creep up into your neck and throat. Also, good to know – heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.
Symptoms of acid reflux
- Burning feeling in your chest
- Sour, acidic taste at the back of your throat
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Problem swallowing
- Vomiting
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Less common symptoms may include throat tightness, random hiccups after eating, chest pressure, and frequent burps.
You may notice the pain feels worse immediately after eating, when you lay down, or bend over. Some people experience the food “sitting” in their throat/upper chest, making it difficult to swallow.
What causes acid reflux?
Various elements can lead to acid reflux.
- Hiatal hernias are common and often harmless. They happen when a small part of your stomach pushes up through a natural opening in your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. This opening normally allows your food pipe (oesophagus) to connect to your stomach, but sometimes the top of the stomach slips upward through it. This is more likely to happen when the muscles around that opening weaken over time. Straining during bowel movements, frequent coughing, pregnancy, or heavy lifting can put extra pressure on the area and make it worse. Many people with a hiatal hernia don’t notice any symptoms, but it can increase the chances of acid reflux.
- Food triggers include alcohol, smoking, coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, fried or spicy meals, and dairy products.
- Your lifestyle also plays a role. Being overweight, and prone to stress and anxiety may also induce acid reflux.
- Some anti-inflammatory painkillers can make reflux worse. It’s important to figure out your triggers and find remedies to help reduce symptoms and protect your gut health over time.
Help at hand
There are several over-the-counter remedies for heartburn and acid reflux. These usually include quick relief in the form of antacids or prescription medication. These treatments help stop the valve between your stomach and food pipe from relaxing too much and letting acid flow back up.
Please don’t ignore persistent symptoms. It’s time to go to the doctor or a clinic if:
- You have acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week for several weeks.
- You rely on heartburn medication and antacids after almost every meal.
- Reflux symptoms interfere with your sleep.
- You develop a cough.
- You have difficulty swallowing, nausea, or vomiting.
- You start to lose weight unintentionally.
Make an effort to correct your posture, and sit up straight when eating. If possible, eat smaller, more frequent meals, rather than three large meals a day. Allow your food plenty of time to digest before bedtime, and quit smoking and cut back on alcohol. These lifestyle changes can go some way in combatting acid reflux.
Images: Freepik
