How Much Do You Know About Acid Reflux?

How Much Do You Know About Acid Reflux?

If you suffer from heartburn, regurgitated stomach contents and frequent burping you may have acid reflux. Acid reflux is also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease or (GERD). It is a condition that can worsen if ignored or if you do not treat it. Stomach contents and stomach acid comes back up from the stomach into the esophagus creating the reflux or back flow that results in heartburn, nausea and pain that can lead to damage of the esophagus.

You may actually experience this “back up of stomach material and acid” into your mouth where you may also experience a burning in the back of your throat. Pretty much everyone will experience acid reflux at some point in life. A common time to experience acid reflux is after a very large meal such as what most of us consume on Thanksgiving Day. It can also occur when we eat foods that we do not tolerate well or when we eat spicy foods or acidic foods. We can also get acid reflux when we drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee.

Individuals with acid reflux can develop complications if they do not manage acid reflux carefully. Complications such as erosive esophagitis, esophageal stricture, ulceration and also Barrett’s esophagus are some of the complications that can develop over time if acid reflux is not treated. Acid reflux can even lead to esophageal cancer.

Anyone can develop acid reflux at any age, both sexes, any nationality. Individuals at most risk for developing acid reflux are those who are obese, have a hiatal hernia, have scleroderma which is a hardening of connective tissue and of skin and it is a common complaint of women who are pregnant.

There are different things that can trigger acid reflux and two people that have acid reflux can have different triggers. Examples of things that trigger acid reflux include certain medications, some types of food, individuals who are obese, those who are under stress and individuals who have poor eating habits such as overeating and eating sugary foods or foods high in fat on a regular basis.

Things that you can eat that may cause acid reflux are those food items that contain garlic or onions, are spicy foods such as those that contain peppers, or Mexican foods, or foods that are spicy. Foods that contain caffeine, grapefruit, and items that have peppermint in them can all trigger acid reflux. It is not just food items that trigger acid reflux things that we drink such as alcoholic beverages; soda pop, beer and wine can all contribute to acid reflux. Chocolate is another culprit when it comes to causing acid reflux and also the ever-popular tomato.