Caring for Acid Reflux & What Causes It
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Here are some tips by Top Gastroenterologists in Ghaziabad & Noida, Uttar Pradesh for caring for acid reflux and common causes:
1. Dietary Changes:
Avoid trigger foods that can worsen reflux, such as spicy foods, acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes), fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals, and avoid eating late at night.
Consider keeping a food diary to track which foods exacerbate your symptoms.
2. Lifestyle Modifications:
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put pressure on the abdomen and increase the risk of acid reflux.
Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while sleeping.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which can put pressure on the abdomen and worsen reflux.
3. Medications:
Over-the-counter antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids) can provide temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
H2 receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole) reduce the production of stomach acid and can help heal the esophagus.
4. Avoid Smoking:
Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that normally prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus, thus exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.
5. Manage Stress:
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress.
Causes of Acid Reflux:
Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): The LES is a ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. If it weakens or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can reflux into the esophagus.
Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which can weaken the LES and contribute to acid reflux.
Delayed Gastric Emptying: Conditions that delay the emptying of the stomach, such as gastroparesis, can increase the risk of acid reflux.
Certain Foods and Beverages: Spicy foods, acidic foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages can all trigger acid reflux.
Obesity: Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure, which can force stomach contents upward into the esophagus.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy can contribute to acid reflux.
Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and increases the production of stomach acid, making acid reflux more likely.
If you experience frequent or severe acid reflux symptoms despite lifestyle changes, it's important to consult our one of the best gastroenterologists in Ghaziabad & Noida for further evaluation and management. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.