How to treat Acid Reflux (Gerd)

Acid reflux, also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a disease in which stomach acid flows back i.e. refluxes into your oesophagus which is the food pipe. This causes burning and pain, which is commonly known as heartburn. Many people experience an occasional heartburn, which is usually not a cause for concern, but when it occur continually, it could indicate GERD.

GERD is a common disorder, affecting up to 60 percent of people at some point during the cause of a year, and 20-30 percent of people at least weekly.

Symptoms or signs associated with this disease

Below are some signs that shows that one is having this disease.

1.    Chest pain that may be worse when lying down.

2.    Coughing, asthma, and sore throat.

3.    Difficulty in swallowing

4.    Heartburn, a burning in the chest that may go to the throat

5.    Regurgitating food. i.e. bringing back food from the throat

6.    Sour taste in mouth

Note: If left untreated, it can lead to other conditions, such as esophageal narrowing, that is the narrowing of the passage of the oesophagus, and esophageal ulcer.

Treatment for this disease

Most cases of heartburn can be treated effectively over-the- counter (OTC) prescription medications. The following drugs are the most commonly used.

v  Alginic acids forms a protective seal at the top of the stomach to prevent acid flux. It is found OTC in product called Gaviscon.

v  Antacids contain ingredients such as magnesium, aluminium, and calcium, which work quickly to neutralize stomach acids. However, they do not reduce inflammation or promote healing.

v  H2 receptor blockers reduce the production of acid and reflux. They take longer to work, but they provide a longer relief. Side effects include dry mouth, bowel changes, dizziness, and drowsiness. Examples include famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine (Zantac). They are available full strength by prescription or in lower dosages OTC.

v  Proton pump inhibitors block acid production and allow the damaged oesophagus to heal. These are long acting-products and the most effective medical treatment for GERD. Examples include Losec, (Omeprazole) prevacid (Lansoprazole). These products are well tolerated; side effect are rare and include dizziness and headache.

Recommended diets include:

§  Caffeine free drinks that contain chamomile, ginger, and slippery elms.

§  Drinking fluids between meals, rather than with meals will also help prevent reflux.

§  Eat vegetables non-citrus fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, and lean meat.

§  Eating small, frequent meals (instead of one or two large meals) will prevent excess production of stomach acid and is also less stressful to the esophageal sphincter. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.

§  Take small amounts of olive and vegetable oils. They are fine.

§   Stay upright after eating, and don’t eat 3 hours before bed time.

Foods to Avoid include:

1.    Alcohol, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, tomato, citrus fruits, spearmint, peppermint, and onion are irritating to the oesophagus.

2.    Chocolate and coffee relax the oesophagus sphincter and increase the effect of reflux.

3.    High-fat food worsen the symptoms, because they stay in the stomach longer and increase the time   the oesophagus is exposed to stomach acids. Avoid or minimize cream, butter, ice cream, gravy, oils, fried foods, sausage, and processed fatty meats cream soups.

How to prevent it:

To prevent or relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, consider the following:

·         Work on losing excessive body weight.

·         Don’t smoke.

·         Raise the head of your bed.

·         Avoid high fat and spicy foods, alcohol, and other triggers, and don’t overeat.

·         Take supplements of calcium and DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice).