Acid reflux

 **Acid reflux** (also called **gastroesophageal reflux** or **GER**) occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach. This happens when the **lower esophageal sphincter (LES)**—a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach—weakens or relaxes abnormally, allowing acid to escape. 


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### **Key Symptoms**  

- **Heartburn**: A burning sensation in the chest or throat (most common symptom).  

- **Regurgitation**: Sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into the throat or mouth.  

- **Difficulty swallowing** (dysphagia).  

- **Chronic cough** or sore throat.  

- **Hoarse voice** (especially in the morning).  

- **Feeling of a lump in the throat** (globus sensation).  


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### **Causes & Triggers**  

1. **Dietary Triggers**:  

   - Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (e.g., citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, alcohol).  

   - Large meals or eating late at night.  

2. **Lifestyle Factors**:  

   - Obesity (increased abdominal pressure).  

   - Smoking (weakens the LES).  

   - Lying down or bending over after eating.  

3. **Medical Conditions**:  

   - Hiatal hernia (part of the stomach pushes into the chest).  

   - Pregnancy (hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach).  

   - Delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).  


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### **Complications**  

If left untreated, chronic acid reflux can lead to:  

- **GERD** (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Frequent reflux (occurring ≥2 times/week).  

- **Esophagitis**: Inflammation or erosion of the esophagus lining.  

- **Barrett’s Esophagus**: Precancerous changes in esophageal tissue.  

- **Strictures**: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring.  


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### **Treatment & Management**  

1. **Lifestyle Changes**:  

   - Avoid trigger foods and eat smaller meals.  

   - Wait 2–3 hours after eating before lying down.  

   - Elevate the head of your bed 6–8 inches (prevents nighttime reflux).  

   - Maintain a healthy weight.  

   - Quit smoking.  


2. **Medications**:  

   - **Antacids** (e.g., Tums, Rolaids): Neutralize stomach acid (short-term relief).  

   - **H2 Blockers** (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine): Reduce acid production.  

   - **Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)** (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole): Block acid production long-term.  


3. **Surgery**:  

   - **Fundoplication**: Wrapping the top of the stomach around the LES to strengthen it.  

   - **LINX device**: A magnetic ring implanted around the LES to prevent reflux.  


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### **When to See a Doctor**  

- Symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.  

- Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing.  

- Unintentional weight loss.  

- Chest pain (to rule out heart conditions).  


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### **Quick Tips for Relief**  

- Sip **ginger tea** or chew sugar-free gum (stimulates saliva to neutralize acid).  

- Avoid tight clothing that presses on your abdomen.  

- Sleep on your **left side** (reduces reflux compared to the right side).  


Acid reflux is common and manageable, but chronic symptoms require medical evaluation to prevent complications like GERD or esophageal damage.

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