Acid Reflux Symptoms & Treatment

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Also called acid regurgitation, acid reflux is a common condition sometimes related to diet in which stomach acid flows backward up the esophagus (the tube carries food from the mouth to the stomach), causing acid refulx symptoms such as a burning feeling in the chest (heartburn) and a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. These acid reflux symptoms usually last a few hours after a meal and then go away. Most people experience acid reflux from time to time, usually after eating certain foods. Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a more serious condition that, left untreated, can lead to problems such as inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus. GERD can also worsen asthma, chronic cough, insomnia, and pulmonary fibrosis.

What Are Acid Reflux Symptoms?

Heartburn is the most common of the acid reflux symptoms. Other symptoms include:

• Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
• Chronic dry cough
• Trouble swallowing
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness

What Are the Causes of Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when a ring of muscle at the bottom of esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t function properly. Normally, the LES keeps stomach contents in the stomach and prevents the backflow of acid by tightening up after swallowing. But in people with acid reflux, the LES becomes weak and relaxes, allowing acid and stomach contents to flow back up the esophagus.

Although it’s still unclear exactly what causes the LES to weaken, several factors have been shown to contribute to and worsen acid reflux. These include:

• Obesity (extra pounds can put pressure on the LES).
• Pregnancy.
• Hiatal hernia, a condition in which the top of your stomach protrudes above the diaphragm muscle in your chest.
• Smoking.
• Alcohol or caffeine consumption.
• Eating large meals.
• Eating before bedtime.
• Medications such as antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, theophylline, and nitrates.
• Fatty, fried, and spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, mint, garlic, and onions.

Who Is Likely to Get Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux and GERD can occur in people of all ages, including children. It is most common in people who are overweight, smoke, and eat poor diets, as well as in pregnant women.

How Is Acid Reflux Diagnosed?

Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week could be GERD and should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if you have been taking antacids or over-the-counter (OTC) reflux medications for more than two weeks.