Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment & Foods to Avoid

 

Acid reflux is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, thereby causing various symptoms. It is a common digestive disorder and prompt acid reflux treatment and management is needed so that it becomes easier for patients to get rid of their symptoms. Acid reflux is also common in babies and need prompt treatment. For best insights about this, log into DocTube. 

Acid Reflux Symptoms   

1. Heartburn

This is the most common symptom of acid reflux. It is described as a burning sensation in the chest, usually behind the breastbone, and it can radiate to the throat and neck. It often worsens after eating, especially when lying down.

2. Regurgitation

This involves the backflow of stomach contents, including acid and undigested food, into the throat or mouth (Martinez, S.D., Malagon, I.B., Garewal, H.S., Cui, H. and Fass, R., 2003. Non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD)—acid reflux and symptom patterns. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 17(4), pp.537-545). It may lead to a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

3. Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing is another symptom of acid reflux. It can feel like food is stuck in the throat or esophagus. In severe cases, it may lead to choking.

4. Chest Pain

Acid reflux can sometimes be mistaken for heart-related chest pain. If you experience chest pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or pain that radiates to the arm or jaw, seek immediate medical attention to rule out heart problems.

5. Chronic Cough

A persistent, dry cough is a common symptom of acid reflux. The irritation caused by stomach acid can trigger coughing, often worse at night.

6. Hoarseness or Sore Throat

The acid can irritate the throat, leading to a raspy voice, sore throat or chronic irritation (Mainie, I., Tutuian, R., Shay, S., Vela, M., Zhang, X., Sifrim, D. and Castell, D.O., 2006. Acid and non-acid reflux in patients with persistent symptoms despite acid suppressive therapy: a multicentre study using combined ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring. Gut, 55(10), pp.1398-1402). 

7. Wheezing

Some people with acid reflux may experience wheezing or asthma-like symptoms due to the irritation of the airways by stomach acid.

8. Nausea

Nausea or an upset stomach can occur as a result of acid reflux, especially when stomach contents flow into the throat.

9. Bloating

Some individuals with acid reflux may experience abdominal bloating and discomfort.

Acid Reflux Treatment 

Acid reflux treatment aims to relieve symptoms, heal any damage to the esophagus and prevent future episodes of reflux. The approach to treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying causes. Here are some common acid reflux treatment options:

1. Medications

i) Antacids

Over-the-counter antacids can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

ii) H2 Blockers

Histamine-2 receptor antagonists reduce stomach acid production and can provide longer-lasting relief (Storr, M., Meining, A. and Allescher, H.D., 2000. Pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Digestive Diseases, 18(2), pp.93-102).

iii) Prokinetics

These medications help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and improve the emptying of the stomach.

iv) Surgery

 In severe cases that do not respond to other acid reflux treatment options, surgical intervention may be considered. The most common surgical option is fundoplication, which involves wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus to prevent acid reflux.

2) Lifestyle Changes

i) Smoking Cessation

If you smoke, quitting can help reduce reflux symptoms.

ii) Stress Management

High levels of stress can exacerbate acid reflux. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises may help.

iii) Dietary Changes

Avoid trigger foods and beverages that can worsen acid reflux, including spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol (Hopkins, C., Yousaf, U. and Pedersen, M., 2006. Acid reflux treatment for hoarseness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1)).

iv) Meal Timing

Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid eating large meals close to bedtime.

v) Weight Management

If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce pressure on the stomach and improve symptoms.

vi) Avoid Tight Clothing

Wearing tight belts or clothing around the waist can put pressure on the stomach and worsen reflux.

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

If you have acid reflux, making dietary changes is a crucial part of managing your symptoms. Certain foods and beverages can trigger or worsen acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter or by increasing stomach acid production. Here is a list of foods and drinks to avoid if you have acid reflux:

i) Spicy Foods

In case of acid reflux foods to avoid include spicy foods as these can irritate the esophagus and increase the risk of acid reflux symptoms. This includes dishes with hot peppers, chili and spicy sauces.

ii) Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are highly acidic and can contribute to acid reflux symptoms.

iii) Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products 

Tomatoes are naturally acidic, and foods like tomato sauce, ketchup and salsa can trigger acid reflux.

iv) Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and a substance called theobromine, both of which can contribute to acid reflux.

v) Caffeinated Beverages

Coffee, tea and certain soft drinks contain caffeine, which can stimulate stomach acid production (Heartburn, G.R., 2007. and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC): NIH Publication, 7(0882), pp.1-8). Decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas may be better options.

vi) Carbonated Beverages.

Carbonated drinks can increase stomach pressure, leading to a higher likelihood of acid reflux. Avoid carbonated sodas and sparkling water.

vii) Alcohol

Alcohol is known to increase production of stomach acid and thus it is best to limit or avoid alcoholic beverages, especially if they trigger your symptoms.

viii) Fatty or Fried Foods

High-fat and fried foods can slow down the emptying of the stomach, making it easier for acid to flow back into the esophagus. This includes fast food, fried chicken and greasy snacks.

ix) Processed Meats

Processed meats like sausages, bacon and deli meats are high in fat and may trigger acid reflux symptoms (O'Doherty, M.G., Cantwell, M.M., Murray, L.J., Anderson, L.A., Abnet, C.C. and FINBAR Study Group, 2011. Dietary fat and meat intakes and risk of reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. International journal of cancer, 129(6), pp.1493-1502).

x) Acidic Foods

Besides citrus fruits, foods like vinegar, including salad dressings and pickles can increase stomach acid and contribute to reflux.

xi) Milk

While milk is sometimes used as a home remedy for acid reflux, it can actually stimulate the production of stomach acid and worsen symptoms in some individuals.

 

Can acid reflux be cured?

 

   

Acid reflux can be effectively treated with medication, lifestyle changes and in major cases, with surgery.

 

 

What is the best food for acid reflux?

 

   

The best foods for acid reflux includes whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, root vegetables like beets, carrots and sweet potatoes and green vegetables like broccoli, green beans and asparagus.