The Inside Story on Acid Reflux
If you have the burning sensation we often refer to as “heartburn,” it has nothing to do with your heart but everything to do with your esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that connects your throat with your stomach.
Swallowed food travels down the esophagus until a valve called the esophageal sphincter, at the bottom, relaxes and allows food to enter the stomach.
Normally, this valve only allows food to move downward. But sometimes the valve isn’t working properly and the stomach contents, including the acid that is produced in the stomach, may back up into the esophagus. This “refluxed” material, which irritates the esophagus, can cause the pain of heartburn. This is called “GERD” (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease).
Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is often confused with GERD but it is a distinct entity. The exact cause of LPRD is unknown.
Common symptoms of LPRD include
- hoarseness
- chronic cough
- frequent throat clearing
- sore throat
- difficulty swallowing
- bitter taste in the mouth
- worsening of asthma
- postnasal drip
In contrast to GERD, LPRD occurs primarily during the daytime when you are in an upright position. LPRD rarely is associated with heartburn, and patients have a normal appearing distal esophagus.
Certain foods are known to weaken or relax the valve, making reflux more likely. Repeated exposure to stomach contents can inflame the lining of the esophagus, making it so sensitive that sometimes swallowing is painful. The irritated lining may start to bleed, or an ulcer may develop in the esophagus. Think of your heartburn as part of your body’s way of suggesting a healthier lifestyle.
Even though you may experience significant symptom relief while on medications, it is important to continue to follow any recommended lifestyle/diet modifications for as long as specified by your physician.
Improve your lifestyle. . .
To Improve your Gastrointestinal Health!
- Eat smaller meals, more frequently.
- Avoid high-fat meals. Fat can slow down/delay your stomach’s ability to move out its contents.
- Avoid lying down within 2-3 hours of eating.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially after a meal.
- Lose weight if overweight
- Don’t exercise immediately after eating
- Avoid late night snacks, since lying down soon after eating will almost always worsen the problem.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as both can cause the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to relax, worsening heartburn.
To reduce nighttime episodes of heartburn elevate the head of your bed four to six inches. You can use books or bed blocks placed under the legs at the head of your bed. Some prescribed and over the counter medications can cause heartburn. Always inform your physician of any medications you are taking and follow your physician’s directions on which heartburn causing medications you may replace or discontinue.
