Is there a cure for Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux 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 if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical surgical intervention with fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.
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 acid reflux treatment is losing weight.
Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Your acid reflux 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. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Certain foods can affect GERD. 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. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.
Female hormones can affect GERD symptoms. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting proper discharge of food from the esophagus.
If you are on medication and you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Acid Reflux symptoms improve when you give up smoking.
Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of acid reflux. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Joggers can develop GERD 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.
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