Acid reflux is one of the most common issues faced by millions of individuals around the world. Facing some occasional heartburn is okay, but if you suffer from acid reflux symptoms frequently, then you need to consult a medical professional immediately. Because you might be suffering from something called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), today, in this blog, you will get to know everything about different Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases and other aspects.
Acid Reflux and GERD: What is It?
You suffer from acid reflux when your stomach acid tends to flow back into your esophagus, making it uncomfortable for you. GERD is closely associated with this acid reflux. Hence, if you suffer from this issue more often than not, then it might lead to a chronic medical condition called GERD.
What are Acid Reflux Symptoms?
There are different kinds of acid reflux symptoms that you might be facing at times. Different individuals are likely to face different types of symptoms at times.
Heartburn
This is one of the most common acid reflux symptoms that one tends to suffer. Having this symptoms feels like a burning sensation in chest after consuming food. This symptom might get worse while bending over or lying down.
Regurgitation
A bitter or sour-tasting liquid that backs up into your mouth or throat is known as regurgitation. This is one of the most classic acid reflux symptoms.
Chest Pain
Feeling chest pain is among the other acid reflux symptoms that most individuals go through. Some might mistake this symptom for cardiac arrest. This GERD-related chest pain is likely to be accompanied by other acid reflux symptoms like regurgitation or heartburn.
Dysphagia (Difficulty in Swallowing)
Having difficulty in swallowing food or water also falls among the common acid reflux symptoms.
Sore Throat or Chronic Cough
Having a sore throat or chronic cough is another common symptom for acid reflux. If you are suffering from such symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Voice Changes or Hoarseness
Acid reflux can also lead to hoarseness or voice changes, requiring you to seek medical attention.
Apart from these, there could be various other symptoms like feeling of a lump in your throat. All these lead to one condition acid reflux or GERD.
Less Common Acid Reflux Symptoms
Apart from the most common acid reflux symptoms, there are some less common symptoms. Some of such less common symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Frequent hiccups and burping.
- Erosion of tooth enamel due to the presence of acid.
- Bad breath.
Foods that Neutralize Stomach Acid
Controlling your acid reflux symptoms with the help of some simple foods. There are some specific foods that prevent heartburn and neutralize stomach acid.
- Oatmeal: This low-acid food is very effective in combating acid reflux symptoms.
- Bananas: Bananas come with some natural antacid properties that soothe your esophagus.
- Non-Citrus Fruits: Eating non-citrus fruits like apples or melons also help to negate acid reflux symptoms.
- Ginger: Ginger is another useful solution to treat acid reflux due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vegetables: Consuming vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and leafy greens is also helpful in reducing various acid reflux symptoms.
Hence, if you are facing acid reflux symptoms, then consuming these things helps to effectively neutralize the symptoms.
Acid Reflux vs Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn might be an acid reflux symptom; these two are not essentially the same. There are some heartburn symptoms that do not equate to acid reflux. Heartburn is like a burning sensation in the chest, which you generally have after having meals. On the other hand, acid reflux is associated with a broader condition when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. Due to acid reflux, you do not just suffer from heartburn; you also face other issues like throat irritation and regurgitation.
What are the Remedies for Heartburn?
If you are suffering from heartburn, then there are various remedies that you can seek. Most of the time, it can be managed at home with homemade remedies. If there are chronic acid reflux symptoms, then you should seek medical attention. Some home remedies for heartburn are:
Chew Gum
Chewing gum enhances your saliva production, neutralizing the acid in your mouth or esophagus.
Medicines for Acid Reflux Symptoms
If homemade remedies and lifestyle changes are not enough, then you are required to consult a medical professional. There are various medications that you can use after getting them prescribed by your doctor.
Antacids
This medicine helps you to get quick relief from your acid reflux symptoms.
H2 Blockers
With the help of these medicines, you can manage to effectively reduce your acid production (famotidine, ranitidine).
PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)
These are the long-term remedies or solutions for various GERD symptoms (e.g., esomeprazole, omeprazole).
You are always supposed to consult a doctor before taking any medicines at all. Some medications might have severe side effects.
What are the Impacts of GERD on Esophagus?
GERD can have a significant impact on your esophagus. Due to this, you can face several complications like:
Barrett’s Esophagus
This is known to be a precancerous condition that changes the esophagus lining with stomach acid.
Esophageal Stricture
The esophagus gets narrowed due to the scar tissues.
Esophagitis
This is inflammation of the esophagus lining.
How to Manage Acid Reflux Symptoms with Lifestyle Changes?
If you can make small changes to your daily lifestyle changes, then you will be able to manage Esopha acid reflux symptoms effectively. Here are the lifestyle changes that you are required to make:
Control Your Weight
It is important for you to control your weight. Excess weight is not good for your abdomen because it can push stomach acid into your esophagus. This is why you should always keep your weight in check.
Have Smaller Meals
It is ideal to have smaller meals as larger meals are more likely to make you have acid reflux symptoms.
Stay Away from Trigger Foods
It would be wise on your part to avoid different trigger foods that might worsen your acid reflux symptoms.
Quit Smoking
Smoking causes acid reflux as it weakens the esophageal sphincter. This is how it enables us to escape.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is also responsible for causing acid reflux symptoms. Hence, you should limit your alcohol consumption.
If you can follow all these above-described tips and tricks, then you would be able to keep acid reflux symptoms in controls.
Tips to Prevent GERD Symptoms during Night
GERD Symptoms at night could be quite a problem for you as you might be having difficulty in sleeping due to this. Here are the tips for you to follow to prevent GERD at night time.
Avoid Late Night Meals
It would be best for you to have late-night meals. If possible, be done with your dinner early in the evening, at least a few hours before going to bed.
Use a Wedge Pillow
Using a wedge pillow is likely to be useful and beneficial for you Such pillows make your upper body elevated which prevent acid reflux symptoms.
Sleep on Your Left Side
Sleeping on your left side would also be advantageous to prevent GERD symptoms at night. It helps you to keep the stomach content down.
When Should You Consult a Medical Professional?
Facing some occasional acid reflux symptoms is fine, but if the issue becomes more frequent, then you might be suffering from GERD. This is why it is important for you to consult a medical professional. Here are some symptoms upon observing which you need to seek medical attention.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Severe chest pain.
- Explained weight loss.
- Vomiting black stools or blood.
Conclusion
There are various acid reflux symptoms that you should know about. Facing some symptoms once in a while is okay, but experiencing them more often than not is not normal. In such circumstances, you need to seek medical attention. The doctor will prescribe you the right solutions or remedies.
It would be better for you to know about the remedies for acid reflux symptoms. Once you know about them, then you can opt for the remedies as and when required. This is how you can make the best use of it.
FAQs
1. Is Acid Reflux a Common Issue?
Ans: Yes, this is quite a common issue faced by many individuals out there. Heartburn is one of the symptoms of it.
2. What are Some GERD Symptoms?
Ans: Some of the common symptoms of GERD are persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation, and heartburn.
3. What is GERD?
Ans: GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease which is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation.
4. What Foods Neutralize Stomach Acid Immediately?
Ans: Foods like non-citrus fruits, ginger, oatmeal, and bananas are very useful in neutralizing stomach acid immediately.
5. What Does Heartburn Feel Like?
Ans: It is like having a disco fort or burning sensation in your chest or having some acidic taste in back of your mouth.
6. Which Fruit is Best for Heartburn Relief?
Ans: Bananas and other non-citrus fruits like apples.
7. What are Some Acid Reflux Medicine Options for You?
Ans: Medicines like antacids, PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), and H2 Blockers are considered good acid reflux medicine options for you to consider.
