Acid reflux, often known as heartburn, causes chest discomfort lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. Stomach acid reflux occurs when food and liquids from the mouth return to the stomach via the esophagus, the tube that transports them. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular muscle that links the esophagus and stomach.
Regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus can occur when the lower esophageal smooth muscle relaxes too much or does not function properly. If exposed to stomach acids for an extended period, the esophagus lining becomes sensitive to acid erosion, precancerous changes, and cancer.
In most situations, more vital prescription medicines, such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or over-the-counter antacids, can relieve mild to moderate heartburn symptoms. Preventative proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix), reduce stomach acid production.
Antacids and other mild drugs reduce acid reflux sensations in the throat, but they do little to address the root cause of acid reflux.
If you experience regular or severe heartburn, consult a doctor to rule out serious causes and consider other treatment options.
If you experience regular or severe heartburn, consult a doctor to rule out serious causes and consider other treatment options. Your doctor will examine your throat, evaluate acid levels, and question you about the intensity and frequency of your symptoms.
If you suffer from heartburn, your doctor may suggest dietary and lifestyle changes. Some of these treatments include eating smaller meals, eliminating acid-producing foods from your diet, and avoiding eating just before bedtime (at least three to five hours).
If you want to keep your stomach acid under control after eating, avoid bending over or lying down right after. Another thing you may do to lose weight is avoid alcoholic and fizzy drinks.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are two common drugs that might aggravate heartburn. To decrease irritation, avoid taking them or take them after a meal.
Other drugs that might irritate the esophagus include opioid pain treatments (oxycodone, hydrocodone), as well as antidepressants (citalopram, Celexa, and Prozac).
If you have tried adjusting your food and lifestyle without success, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat acid reflux. Consult an esophagus specialist at UCI Health about incision-less or minimally invasive procedures for long-term acid reflux management and esophageal damage prevention.
