Severe Acid Reflux

There is this muscle which is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This ring-like muscle serve as a valve at the entrance of the stomach. In normal conditions, this valves closes itself the moment food passes through it. However, there might be some factors which may cause this valve to malfunction and open too often or remain unclosed all the way. When this occurs, acid from the stomach flow back into the esophagus and this gives rise to a burning pain or discomfort, which is known as a heart burn. Such a malfunction of the LES, if persists for more than twice a week, then the person is known to be suffering from what is known as an acid reflux. It is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Severe acid reflux is associated with causing serious conditions, such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), Barrett's esophagus, strictures (abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway) and esophageal cancer.

What Symptoms are Typical of Severe Acid Reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease leads to the development of various conditions in the body which manifest themselves through a number of symptoms. Heartburn is the most prominent symptom of this condition. It is, as mentioned, a burning sensation that radiates from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into the throat. The affected person may suffer from regurgitation, as the acid may flow back to the throat or mouth. This action produces a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. In some cases, the person may even vomit some contents of the stomach. Dysphagia is a condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful and it occurs during episodes of severe acid reflux. Other symptoms which are also indicative of the condition include, bloating, burping or wet-burps, blood in stools or black stools, persisting hiccups, nausea, abnormal weight loss, dry cough, hoarseness, sore throat and wheezing.

Causes

Causal factors are those which trigger the malfunctioning of the LES. These include conditions such as obesity, pregnancy, hiatus hernia (hiatal hernia) [hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm], peptic ulcers and insufficient digestive enzymes and asthma. Having large meals just before bedtime or lying on the back or bending forward after having food, also triggers the condition of acid reflux. Apart from alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, and tea, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, spicy or fatty foods also contribute to the cause of acid reflux. Excessive smoking or using certain medications may have this condition as one of its side effects.

Treatment

Avoiding the triggers of the condition, is known to be the best treatment. This means to do opposite to what may trigger the reflux. For instance, instead of taking large meals at a time, it is advisable to go for smaller meals. If the condition is caused by an underlying medical condition, then the latter is treated so that the former improves on its own. Coming to foods which should be avoided include alcohol, black pepper, chili and chili powder, citrus fruit, pineapple, coffee, garlic, spicy food, tea, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, ketchup, vinegar, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, fizzy drinks (sodas), etc. These foods have been found to be the common triggers of the condition in most patients. However, they may differ with some patients, as different people react differently to the same types of foods. Following an acid reflux diet also proves helpful. As far as medications are concerned, you should leave them to the discretion of your doctor.

To conclude, surgery is also one of the methods available for its treatment. However, this option is reserved for cases which do not respond to other conventional treatment procedures thus, it is kept as a last resort.