Stomach acid and reflux problem is a condition that is characterized by the discomfort caused by the reversed flow of the acidic content from the stomach to the esophagus or the food pipe.
This problem occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak and opens up abnormally, which causes the contents of your stomach to move upwards.
This problem can be dealt by using stomach acid remedies and various treatments depending upon your case.
Symptoms of stomach acid and reflux
Typically, patients who are diagnosed with reflux and stomach acid abnormalities show symptoms like heartburn, a burning sensation that you experience in your chest, the taste of a sour acidic liquid in the back of your mouth accompanied by pain in the chest, etc. You may also experience difficulties in swallowing your food.
Remedies to treat acid reflux
As a part of stomach acid reflux remedies and treatments, you may first be recommended to make some lifestyle modifications and changes in your diet as recommended by your doctor. You may also be recommended to try over the counter medicines during the initial stages.
However, if you do not experience any relief from the treatment, you may be advised to go for surgery or prescription medicines. Antacids may be recommended by your doctor to get quick relief from the problem of stomach acid reflux.
These may include Rolaids, Tums, and Mylanta. Certain medications that help in curbing acid production in your stomach, termed as H-2 receptor blockers may also be helpful in providing relief.
These include famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine. Proton pump inhibitors are medications that may be taken to help block the production of acid in your stomach and to heal your esophagus. This treatment is amongst the most efficient stomach acid reflux remedies when compared to H-2 receptor blockers. It also aids the healing process of the esophagus.
In case the above mentioned over-the-counter stomach acid reflux remedies and acid reflux treatment options do not give you relief from stomach acid and reflux, you may be prescribed with special drugs by your doctor. Prescription strength H-2 receptors may be given to you or you could be prescribed with strength proton pump inhibitors.
Some of these include lansoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole. Another effective medication for the treatment of this problem is Baclofen. Baclofen works well as it an effective medication for strengthening your lower esophageal sphincter.
Dealing with the condition
In case none of these medications and modes of treatment are working for you and if there is no relief from stomach acid reflux, your doctor might recommend that you opt for surgery. Surgical procedures may include Fundoplication. It is a process in which the top part of your stomach is wrapped around your lower esophageal sphincter so that it tightens the muscle.
This helps prevent the problem of reflux. Another surgical procedure that your doctor may ask you to go for is using a LINX device. In this procedure, magnetic beads are wrapped around the junction connecting the stomach and the esophagus. In this surgical method, the surgery aims at closing the abnormal opening of the lower esophageal sphincter and prevents reflux.
As a part of stomach acid reflux remedies or the acid reflux treatment you are undergoing, you may also be recommended to make some basic lifestyle changes. This includes keeping a strict watch on what you’re eating. Fatty and fried foods are known to trigger the problem of stomach acid reflux. Keeping a check on your weight is also essential to ensure that you do not develop this problem.
Other foods that are likely to cause digestive imbalance and trigger reflux are chocolate, garlic, tomato sauce, mint, caffeine, onion.
Also, if you are not chewing properly, you are only doing more harm to your digestive system. Chewing properly and swallowing food is strongly recommended. It is equally important to watch out for your portions because the more you eat, you are more likely to experience the problem of stomach acid reflux.
Too much pressure due to weight gain on your abdomen will push your stomach upwards and this could lead to the problem of reflux. You must avoid wearing tight fitted clothing or ones that put pressure on your abdomen. It is strongly recommended not to lie down after having your meal as it disturbs your digestive system.
For those of you who tend to have the problem of stomach acid reflux quite often, one way by which you can deal with this problem is by elevating the head of your bed. You should completely avoid smoking as it can disrupt the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter to function properly.
It has been found that among the herbal remedies, Iberogast may help to reduce the problem of heartburn and conditions that are associated with it. Iberogast is composed of 9 herbs including licorice, chamomile, and peppermint.
Among other remedies, you can opt for Melatonin which helps in promoting sleep. Relaxation techniques may also be helpful in dealing with the problems of stomach acid reflux.
