Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a disease in which acid-containing contents in the stomach persistently leak back up into the oesophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the valve at the end of the oesophagus, the lower oesophageal sphincter, does not close when the food arrives at the stomach. Therefore, acid flows back up through the oesophagus into the throat and mouth and gives a sour taste.

Everyone experience acid reflux symptoms at some point in life. Acid reflux and heartburn are totally normal. However, if you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week for several months, you may need to take antacids or heartburn medications constantly. Acid reflux disease is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition, acid reflux can irritate the lining of the oesophagus.

Hiatal hernia, stomach abnormality, is one of the common causes of acid reflux. You can experience a hiatal hernia when the stomach’s upper part bulges through the large muscle separating the chest (diaphragm) and abdomen. Usually, the diaphragm plays a role in keeping acid in the stomach. However, if you are experiencing a hiatal hernia, acid can move into the oesophagus and cause acid reflux disease.

Other possible causes of acid reflux are;

• Smoking
• overweight or obesity
• Snacking near to bedtime
• Excessive pressure on the abdomen (some women during pregnancy can experience heartburn daily due to this extreme pressure)
• Lying down after meals or eating large meals
• Connective tissue disorders
• Beverages including carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea, or coffee
• Foods including garlic, mint, tomato, citrus, spicy or fatty foods
• Taking some medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, blood pressure drugs, certain muscle relaxers, or asthma drugs

Acid reflux can cause several symptoms such as;

Heartburn

Heartburn is a discomfort or burning pain that may move from the stomach to the abdomen, chest, or even into the throat.

Regurgitation

This symptom causes a bitter or sour taste caused by acid backing up into the throat or mouth.

Bloating

A condition when your belly feels tight and full due to gas. Bloating is a common condition among older women.

Burping

Burping is also known as belching. It is the body’s way of expelling excess air from the upper digestive tract.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, body taking more time and effort to move drink or food from the mouth to the stomach.

Hiccups

Hiccups cause involuntary contractions of the diaphragm (a muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest).

Other possible symptoms of acid reflux are;

• Bloody vomiting
• Black or bloody stools
• Nausea
• Dry cough
• Wheezing
• Weight loss due to unknown reasons
• Chronic sore throat
• Hoarseness

If someone experiences acid reflux symptoms two or more times a week or medicines don’t work, it means your acid reflux symptoms are severe, and you may need to undergo tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are;

Oesophagram (Barium swallow)

This test is helpful to check ulcers or narrowing of the oesophagus.

Oesophageal manometry

Doctors or medical specialists perform this test to check the movement and function of the oesophagus.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is an effective test to check the problems in the stomach and oesophagus.

pH monitoring

The doctors measure the amount of acid in the oesophagus by this test.

The following lifestyle changes can be effective to prevent acid reflux;

Maintaining a healthy weight

A healthy weight reduces the pressure on the abdomen and stops pushing up the acid into the oesophagus.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing

Tightly fitted clothes around the waist put pressure on the abdomen and lower oesophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux.

Stop smoking

Stopping smoking can help in increasing the lower oesophageal sphincter’s ability to work properly.

Elevate your headboard

If you experience heartburn during sleep, raise the head side of the bed by six to nine inches in an inclined position.

Don’t lie down immediately after a meal

Don’t lie down to sleep or rest for at least three hours after a meal. It will help you to prevent acid reflux symptoms.

Avoids drinks and foods responsible for acid reflux

Try to prevent drinks and foods such as alcohol, tomato sauce, garlic, mint, onion, caffeine, chocolate, and fried or fatty foods.

Eat foods slowly

Chew your bite correctly, and then swallow it. Follow this step during every meal.

The following are some of the drugs that can be effective to treat acid reflux symptoms;

• Zantac Relief Tablets
• Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate)
• Rennie Tablets (Peppermint)
• Nexium Control Tablets

The most effective drugs for different acid reflux symptoms are available on the Click Pharmacy website. These drugs will help you prevent and treat acid reflux symptoms such as nausea, bloody vomiting or stools, heartburn, or bloating. You can also consult our medical specialist. Our medical specialist will diagnose the severity of the acid reflux or recommend a test check for mild to moderate symptoms. After analysing, the medical specialist will recommend a drug for acid reflux symptoms. You will receive your purchase discreetly packaged at your provided address.

Usually, it takes two to eight weeks to get maximum effects against acid reflux symptoms. However, treatment duration for acid reflux always varies according to the age and severity of the symptoms. In addition, it is better to treat different acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation at an early stage because, with time, these symptoms associated with acid reflux will worsen.

It will help if you read the drug’s leaflet before using it. These drugs can cause side effects. However, the risks of these side effects reduce when you follow the leaflet’s instructions. Therefore, it is essential to go through the leaflet before starting the medicine.