Acid Reflux - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

1
Acid Reflux

• Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

2
Acid Reflux

• Acid reflux is a fairly common disease, and more
  than 10 million cases are reported each year in
  India. It is technically known as GERD or
  gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid reflux
  results in the backing up of stomach acids and
  bile into the food pipe in a reverse upward
  direction. An abnormal functioning of the LES
  (lower oesophageal sphincter), which connects the
  food pipe with the stomach results in acid reflux
  disease. It causes a burning pain in the chest,
  and irritation in the lining of the oesophagus
  (food pipe).

3
As it is a common disease, diagnosing acidic
refluxes do not require a medical professional at
all times. One can discern the presence of
refluxes, based on symptoms experienced by
oneself. Also laboratory testing is generally not
required to diagnose acid refluxes. Let us study
the symptoms, causes and various options for
treatment of acid reflux in detail.
4
 Symptoms of Acid Reflux / GERD

• The patient may feel bloated a lot of the time,
  due to uneasiness in the stomach, especially
  after meals.
• Excessive burping is a common sign of the
  presence of acid reflux. When the acids start
  moving upwards, this is an unnatural movement for
  the body. It reacts by burping.
• Blood may appear in stool or in vomiting by the
  patient.

5

• A chronically sore throat or dry cough could be a
  symptom of GERD.
•  
• The patient may experience continual hiccups and
  nausea due to the stomach lining being irritated
  by acids from the stomach.
• A sudden loss of weight by the patient, without
  any reason is a symptom of chronic acid refluxes.
•  

6
Causes of Acid Reflux / GERD

• Hiatal hernia It is also known as stomach
  hernia, and results in the pushing up of the
  stomach towards the diaphragm. Hiatal hernia can
  be the reason for intestinal diseases and
  discomfort like acid reflux, and heartburn. When
  the stomach pushes through towards the chest
  cavity, the functioning of the LES gets affected
  negatively.
• Obesity Carrying extra pounds on your body could
  be another reason for acid reflux. Todays
  lifestyle has incorporated more junk food and
  less exercise. It is a sedentary lifestyle which
  involves minimum activity. This has led to the
  steady weight gain and obesity among many people
  across the world. Being overweight brings with it
  many associated risks like heart problems,
  intestinal discomfort, acid refluxes and BP
  problems as well.

7

• Food habits A major reason for gastroesophageal
  reflux disease is adverse eating habits that
  affect the normal functioning of the body. Habits
  like eating large meals, or lying down
  immediately after eating, or having snacks close
  to the time of sleeping lead to acidic refluxes.
  Our body is naturally not tuned to this
  lifestyle. It needs smaller and sensible meals,
  and an adequate gap between eating and resting.
• Specific foods We need to analyse what kind of
  foods do not suit our body and avoid these
  completely to avoid acid reflux. Foods like
  citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, mint, onion or
  spicy foods may have a negative impact if
  consumed by some individuals.

8
Treatment Options for Acid Reflux

• Lifestyle Change A sure fire way of treating
  acid reflux is changing a sedentary lifestyle
  into a more active one. Regular exercise and a
  healthy diet with occasional junk food would
  definitely help in curing acid reflux naturally.
  Also, one should avoid eating very late at night,
  or right before sleeping.
• OTC medicines There are various over the counter
  medications available for acid reflux, as it is a
  fairly common ailment. Drugs like antacids
  neutralize the effect of the acids from the
  stomach. Other medicines like laxatives aid in
  regular bowel movements, to counter the strain on
  the stomach.

9
Lose weight Aiming for a healthy weight will put
you at lesser risk of acid reflux. Also you would
put less pressure on your stomach for digesting
food. Losing abdominal fat is sure to make you
feel lighter and healthier. A steady weight loss
is recommended. Crash dieting or avoiding
exercise will increase the severity of heartburn
and acid refluxes, and most probably cause
irreparable damage to the system.   Eat healthy
Although there is no magic diet for GERD
patients, there are certain foods that help in
reducing the intensity and effects of acid reflux
like fibrous foods and high protein foods. Also
avoiding junk and fast food would greatly help
your body heal itself in a natural
manner.   Alternate medicine Certain supplements
aid in relieving the pain from acid reflux like
chamomile, marshmallow, liquorice and slippery
elm. Research is still ongoing to test the exact
effect of these alternate medicines in treating
acid reflux. However, there have been
testimonials from patients claiming that these
have helped them in relieving GERD issues.
10
If you are struggling with Acid Reflux or GERD,
take an appointment with GERD Specialist - Dr.
Chirag Thakkar at Adroit Centre for Digestive and
Obesity Surgery.
11
Consult us for GERD Treatment
For Appointment Call 079-29703438 Or
visit- www.drchiragthakkar.com