Combating Acid Reflux
Lately, you have been waking up more often during the night with a burning sensation in your chest and throat. This phenomenon — acid reflux — occurs when stomach contents move back into the esophagus and irritate its lining.
You don’t have to wait to see a doctor to start taking action against acid reflux. These tips may offer relief:
- Give yourself time to digest before bed. Sit up straight for at least three hours after eating.
- Help the body’s natural defense. Smoking can reduce saliva, which helps safeguard against reflux — another reason to kick the habit.
- Steer clear of dietary triggers. Different foods and beverages prompt reflux for different people, but common triggers include coffee, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products, chocolate, alcohol, and spicy and greasy foods.
- Take a different angle. Sleeping at a slight incline may decrease reflux. Place blocks under the posts at the head of your bed to raise it a few inches.
Lifestyle modifications alone may not be enough to control reflux, particularly if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Taking GERD symptoms lightly can have serious consequences. If left untreated, GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a potential precursor of esophageal cancer.
If reflux continues to be a problem, see your doctor. He or she may recommend medications or, as a last resort, surgery may do the trick.
When reflux occurs twice a week or more, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Here are three things to know about this severe form of reflux:
- Faulty anatomy is often to blame. A valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allows food to enter the stomach but is supposed to stay closed otherwise. If it weakens due to aging, excess weight, pregnancy or other factors, it can allow stomach acid back into the esophagus.
- Relief may come from over the counter. Nonprescription antacids may help control mild symptoms, but it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first.
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