Acid Reflux: Can it be cured?

« « The Science Behind the Combination of Health and Beauty Tips | Broccoli Sprouts Is Good For You » »

Sunday, November 29th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Acid reflux or GERD is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.

There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. A change in lifestyle is sometimes all you need.

A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. An important aspect of GERD treatment is losing weight.

Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Your symptoms will improve if you wear loose clothes.

A large meal entering the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. The large volume also increases gastric clearance time allowing more opportunity for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

GERD can be affected by certain foods. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and result in acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.

Female hormones can affect acid reflux. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting clearance of food from the esophagus.

If you have GERD and you are on medication, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of acid reflux. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop acid reflux symptoms.

If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.