Acid Reflux and Heartburn – Symptoms, causes and treatment

The common causes of acid reflux are not really known by physicians. There are ideas of the possibilities such as increased stomach acids that lead to the acid in the esophagus resulting in a stomach abnormality called hiatal hernia that can occur at any age. This situation happens when the upper area of the stomach and the diaphragm separates from the stomach and the chest cavity. The diaphragm helps to deal with the stomach acids so when a hernia occurs, the acid reflux is the result. The stomach acids rise up into the esophagus creating the burning sensation.

Women that are pregnant suffer from acid reflux at the beginning of the pregnancy due to the hormonal changes and the pressure of the baby growing in the uterus. The symptoms grow worse during the pregnancy but usually subside after delivery.

People that smoke suffer from acid reflux due to the smoking damaging the membranes, impairing the reflexes of the muscles in the throat, reduction of saliva that normally neutralizes the creation of acid and increased production of stomach acid. Smoking also reduces the muscle function of the LES area of the body. Smokers that also have a heavy consumption of alcohol increase their risks of esophageal cancer.

The diet of individuals also contributes to acid reflux. Large meals or lying down shortly after meals can cause heartburn or acid reflux. Some people have trouble swallowing or dry coughs. Some of the foods that contribute to acid reflux include carbonated beverages, alcohol, acidic fruits such as lemons or oranges, coffee, tea, chocolate, fried foods, and fatty foods, foods containing tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili, curry, spicy foods, and mint.

There are some contributing factors for people suffering from acid reflux that include obesity, snacking at bedtime, certain blood pressure medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, abdominal exercise, heavy greasy meals, and certain muscle relaxer medications.

To reduce the chances of acid reflux, avoid eating late at night, lying down after a meal, avoid exerting exercise that uses the abdominal muscles at high levels, avoid greasy fried foods, hot spicy foods, smoking, alcohol, and acidic foods including fruits and vegetables.