A detailed look at Acid Reflux
The balanced lifestyle
of the yesteryears has gone out through the window to make way for a fast-paced
lifestyle. And the real cost of this lifestyle is being borne by our health,
both mental and physical. Improper eating habits and irregular eating times
have led to people becoming less healthy physically. Poor eating habits can
cause many problems to the human body, specifically in the digestive tract of
the body. One of such commonly occurring conditions is Acid Reflux. With
symptoms being observed in almost every other person, let’s take a detailed
look at this condition.
What
is Acid Reflux and how is it caused?
So, what
is acid reflux?
Acid reflux is a
condition that affects the Gastro-esophageal tract of the body which contains
the stomach and the esophagus. The point where the two meet is a small opening through
which the food enters the stomach. This valve like structure is operated by a
small and circular muscle known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or LES. This
muscle tightens up after the food has entered the stomach.
Sometimes due to a
bloated stomach or certain dietary habits, the sphincter might relax a bit. Due
to the pressure or the relaxed sphincter, acidic gases and fluid built up
inside the stomach might reflux back into the esophagus. This is known as Acid
Reflux.
Other causes include a
condition known as Hiatal Hernia. In this condition, the upper part of the
stomach is pushed up a bit so the stomach has some problems keeping the
digestive mixture contained inside its walls.
Symptoms
related to Acid Reflux
Acid reflux presents
itself in common ways namely:
1.
Heartburn:
What does Heartburn feel like? The
answer to that question is a painful sensation felt near the breastbone of the
body. Usually, heartburn episodes start after you’ve finished eating. The
acidic mixture of the stomach leaks out into the esophagus and causes severe
painful sensations.
2.
Regurgitation:
Sour and bitter tasting fluid backs up in the Esophagus leaving an acidic taste
in the mouth.
3.
Dysphagia:
Due to the constricted and affected Esophagus, people have difficulty in
swallowing food. The condition varies in severity from person to person.
Other symptoms include
cough fits, ulcerations in the esophageal lining causing bloody stools, nausea
etc.
Complications resulting
from acid reflux include:
·
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
·
Barrett’s syndrome or Barrett’s
Esophagus (BE).
·
Ulcerations in the inner lining of the
esophagus.
·
Scaring of the inner lining of the
esophagus.
·
Fluid buildup inside and near the sinus
glands and the ear canal.
Treatment
and Remedies
Homemade and natural
remedies prove to be very effective in alleviating the symptoms of Acid Reflux. Aloe Vera Juice has been known to cool down the
stomach and bring down the bloating. Baking Soda mixed with water helps in
bringing down the acidic levels.
Medication such as
PPIs, H2 Blockers and Antacids can also be purchased from the pharmacies either
in OTC variants or prescription variants.
More than that, the
best remedy for Acid Reflux is adapting to a healthier lifestyle and taking
small steps towards it.