Acid Reflux Disease: The Causes, Symptoms, When To Call A Doctor..

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Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when the contents of your stomach spill into your esophagus. It is usually caused by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter – a valve that allows food to enter the stomach and normally prevents stomach contents from entering the esophagus.

If you’ve experienced acid reflux symptoms more than two times a week over the course of several weeks, you have acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a quite common condition – it affects around 20% of Americans.

The most common symptom of GER/GERD is heartburn – a painful, burning sensation in the middle of your chest and upper abdomen, sometimes even throat. However, not all people with GER/GERD experience heartburn.

Other symptoms include:

- regurgitation – a sour and/or bitter-tasting acid backing up into the throat or mouth;

- pain in your chest and/or upper abdomen;

- nausea and vomiting;

- difficulty swallowing;

- bloating;

- burping;

- constant hiccups;

- bad breath;

- sore throat.

If you have the symptoms described above, talk to your doctor before taking any medicines.



Some GER/GERD symptoms overlap with those of a heart attack and other serious conditions. Seek emergency medical help if you experience the following problems:

- heartburn that feels different or worse than usual;

- severe chest pain;

- pressure and tightness in the chest;

- shortness of breath;

- dizziness;

- excessive perspiration;

- pain radiating through your left arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw.

A number of factors can increase your risk of GERD; they include:

- hiatal hernia;

- eating big meals;

- lying down shortly after eating;

- eating shortly before bedtime;

- smoking;

- consuming certain foods and drinks, including spicy or fatty foods, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, fizzy drinks, and alcohol;

- being pregnant;

- being overweight or obese;

- taking certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, and blood pressure medicines.

GERD is usually treated with antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and other drugs with a combination of lifestyle changes. Your doctor may prescribe different medicines depending on the severity of your symptoms. For cases that are severe and don’t respond well to treatment, surgery may be recommended.

You can make certain adjustments to your lifestyle and diet to prevent GERD or relieve its symptoms if you already have it:

- eat smaller but more frequent meals instead of three large ones;

- avoid or limit your consumption of foods and drinks that cause or aggravate GERD symptoms;

- stay in an upright position for 2–3 hours after eating;

- don’t eat 2–3 hours before bedtime;

- quit smoking;

- lose weight if you’re overweight or obese;

- don’t wear clothes or belts that are too tight;

- sleep with your head elevated a little using an extra pillow or blocks under the head of your bed;

- talk to your doctor about medications you’re taking that may be causing your symptoms – your doctor may change the dosage of put you on a different medication.