How to Deal with Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid Reflux: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Causes

Various causes of acid reflux include:

• Low Stomach Acid: Low stomach acid is one of the major causes of acid reflux. This is why reflux increases with age as your stomach acid decreases.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO is the over-reproduction of bacteria in your small intestine.
• Stomach Infections like Helicobacter Pylori: H.Pylori or Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterial infection that decreases stomach acid production.
• Overeating: Eating too much can cause acid reflux.
• Food Intolerances: Wheat, other gluten-rich foods, or dairy, especially if you’re lactose intolerant, can cause acid reflux.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts more pressure on your stomach.
• Acid Reflux Causing Foods: Some foods like citrus fruits, coffee, fried foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, etc. cause acid reflux.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
• Bitter or sour taste at the back of the mouth
• Regurgitation of drinks and foods
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Pain when swallowing
• Bad breath
• Chronic cough
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Wheezing
• Vomiting
• Asthma and recurring pneumonia
• Dental erosion
• Upper abdominal and chest pain

Diagnosis

It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist if you experience acid reflux symptoms at least twice a week. Your physician might order the following tests:

• Barium swallow (esophagram)
• PH monitoring
• Esophageal manometry
• Biopsy
• Endoscopy

Treatment Options

Your physician might recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery to manage acid reflux. Options include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight if you are obese/overweight
• Change your diet and eating habits

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs

• Antacids
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2 blockers
• Other medications

Surgery and Other Medical Procedures

• Bariatric Surgery
• Fundoplication
• Endoscopy

Most people experience occasional heartburn, which can be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. Consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.