Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux
Overview
Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acids back up in the esophagus. Acid reflux is commonly called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux and its complications are all risk factors for esophageal cancer, along with smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Types
There are two main types of acid relux:
- Supine acid reflux
- Upright acid reflux
Supine acid reflux occurs when a person is sleeping and upright acid reflux takes place when a person is awake.
Symptoms
Chronic heartburn is the major symptom of acid reflux. Other symptoms include burning in the chest area and throat, difficulty in swallowing, chest pain during bending and eating or lying down. The person suffering from acid reflux can also have a sensation of food being stuck in the throat or upper chest. The person can swallow and breathe, but the person will have the feeling that something isn't going all the way down.
Causes/Risk Factors
Obesity is a major risk factor for acid reflux and others are smoking, drinking alcohol and certain eating habits. Eating a large meal and then reclining or bending over can cause acid reflux. Pregnancy puts a person more at risk for acid reflux. Also, people with asthma or COPD are at a much higher risk of having problems with acid reflux. Overweight men over 40 years old and those people who use NSAIDs are at higher risk for severe acid reflux than most people.
Complications that can result from acid reflux include esophagitis. This happens when the esophagus comes into repeated contact with stomach acid. It's a very painful burning and swelling of the esophagus, that can cause ulcers and bleeding. If this condition is untreated, it can lead to a condition that's a risk factor for esophageal cancer called Barrett's Esophagus. This usually happens after prolonged and severe untreated acid reflux and esophagitis. When the cells of the lining of the esophagus are severely damaged by stomach acids, cellular changes occur, and can mark the beginning of cancer.
Tests/Diagnosis
Reporting the symptoms of chronic heartburn are usually enough to make a diagnosis of acid reflux. In severe cases, other tests may be used to see the extent of the damage done by the stomach acid. If esophagitis is suspected, the affected person has to take up endoscopy tests. An upper endoscopy is done by inserting a small tube down the throat that allows the doctor to visually examine the area of damage. An upper endoscopy can't help for diagnosing ordinary acid reflux, because even if there are no symptoms present, it can show damage from esophagitis and the presence of more serious conditions like Barrett's Esophagus.
Acid testing can also be performed to test for acid reflux. A tiny tube with a sensor on the end is placed down the throat through the nose and remains in place for about 24 hours to measure the levels of acid present over the course of a day.
Treatment
Avoiding trigger foods and remaining upright after eating is important for those with acid reflux. Medications can be used in the treatment of acid reflux. They include:
- Acid suppressants such as histamine2-receptor antagonists for releasing the acid in the stomach.
- Proton pump inhibitors for reducing the production of acid in the stomach.
- Antacid can be used for treating mild acid-related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion.
- Prokinetic agents.
Resources
Check out the following links to learn more about the symptoms, causes, treatment options and diagnosis for acid reflux: