Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid moves backward into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This backflow can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause discomfort. If acid reflux happens often or becomes chronic, it’s called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Acid reflux is very common. Most people experience it occasionally, but frequent or severe symptoms can affect daily life and may need medical attention.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close properly. This muscle is supposed to keep stomach contents from rising back up, but when it relaxes too often or doesn’t tighten enough, acid can escape.

Common triggers include:

• Eating large meals or lying down right after eating
• Eating fatty, spicy or acidic foods
• Drinking alcohol, coffee or carbonated beverages
• Smoking
• Being overweight or pregnant
• Taking certain medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen or muscle relaxers)

Some people may have GERD due to a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm.

GERD symptoms often include:

• Heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest)
• Acidic taste in the mouth or throat
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Feeling like food is stuck in your throat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Chronic cough
  
  

Occasional heartburn is normal, but if it occurs more than twice a week or interferes with your life, it may be GERD.

Your provider may diagnose GERD based on your symptoms, or may recommend tests like:

• Upper endoscopy (a camera to look at your esophagus)
• pH monitoring (measures acid in the esophagus)
• X-rays or esophageal manometry (measures pressure in the esophagus

Lifestyle and dietary changes

• Eat smaller meals and avoid eating late at night
• Avoid trigger foods (fried, spicy, chocolate, caffeine, citrus)
• Stay upright after eating
• Lose weight if needed
• Wear loose-fitting clothes
  
  

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antacids (like Tums) to neutralize stomach acid
• H2 blockers (like Pepcid) to reduce acid production
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like Prilosec) to block acid and heal the esophagus
  
  

Prescription treatments

• Stronger PPIs or H2 blockers may be prescribed if symptoms persist
• In severe cases, surgery may be an option to strengthen the LES (such as fundoplication)

If you experience acid reflux symptoms frequently, talk to your health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like esophagitis (inflammation), strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) or Barrett’s esophagus, which can increase cancer risk.

To prevent acid reflux:

• Avoid trigger foods and drinks
• Eat slowly and chew food well
• Stay upright after meals
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke
  
  

With the right habits and care, most people with acid reflux can manage their symptoms and live comfortably.