Summary about Disease
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux occasionally, but when it becomes chronic and troublesome, it's diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms
Common symptoms of acid reflux include:
Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night.
Regurgitation: The sensation of stomach contents moving up into your chest or mouth.
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Other symptoms can include:
Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Dry cough
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Sensation of a lump in your throat
Causes
Acid reflux is caused by frequent episodes of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When this sphincter relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus. Risk factors that can contribute to acid reflux include:
Obesity
Hiatal hernia
Pregnancy
Smoking
Lying down soon after eating
Large meals
Certain foods (fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions)
Certain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, some blood pressure medications, some muscle relaxants)
Is Communicable
Acid reflux is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to help manage acid reflux:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking.
Elevate the head of your bed when sleeping.
Avoid lying down for 2-3 hours after eating.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid trigger foods and beverages (fatty/fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, mint, etc.).
Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Consider over-the-counter medications for occasional symptoms.
Consult a doctor if symptoms are frequent or severe.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of acid reflux symptoms can vary significantly. Occasional episodes might last a few hours. Chronic GERD can cause symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated. Treatment can significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
Acid reflux is diagnosed through:
Medical History and Physical Exam: Doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam.
Upper Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualize the lining and check for abnormalities.
Esophageal pH Monitoring: Measures the amount of acid in the esophagus over a period of time (usually 24 hours).
Esophageal Manometry: Measures the pressure and function of the esophagus muscles.
Barium Swallow: X-ray of the esophagus after drinking a barium solution.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of acid reflux symptoms can vary.
Immediate: Heartburn and regurgitation can occur shortly after eating, especially after consuming trigger foods.
Nighttime: Symptoms often worsen at night due to lying down.
Chronic: Over time, untreated acid reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), Barrett's esophagus (precancerous changes), and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Symptoms can become more persistent and severe over time.
Important Considerations
Lifestyle Modifications: Are often the first line of defense in managing acid reflux.
Long-Term Medication Use: Long-term use of PPIs may have potential side effects; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Complications: Untreated GERD can lead to serious complications; seek medical attention if symptoms are persistent or severe.
Individual Variation: The effectiveness of treatments and the specific triggers for acid reflux can vary from person to person.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention if you experience: Frequent or severe heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, black or bloody stools, hoarseness, chronic cough, or chest pain.