Acid Reflux: What You Can Do?

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Monday, June 16th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acids (and sometimes bile) back up from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) is a muscular ring at the base of the esophagus. When the LES can no longer close tightly, then stomach acids can no longer stay down where they belong. This can be due to to many reasons: particular types of food, large portions of food, alcohol, medications, smoking or lying down right after eating. The lining of the esophagus isn’t designed to withstand regular exposure to powerful stomach acids. In addition to the painful symptoms, the esophageal lining can become damaged. If this occurs, acid reflux is often diagnosed. The best treatment is to keep the acid at bay and allow the lining time to heal on its own.

Acid Reflux: What Is It?

Most of us have experienced the painful symptoms of heartburn at one time or another. The familiar burning and sour taste in the mouth will most often follow a large meal, and can last for a number of hours if it’s not treated. The usual course of action is to grab an antacid or two and get those annoying symptoms under control. If the condition only flares up once in a blue moon and is easily controlled with nonprescription treatments and there is no cause for alarm. However, for some people, this condition begins to occur much more frequently and over the counter treatments, once effective, are can no longer keep those painful symptoms at bay. Frequent bouts with these symptoms are often a sign of acid reflux disease and may warrant an appointment with your doctor.

Acid Reflux: What Can Your Doctor Do?

If you experience heartburn more than one time per week, then it’s a good idea to see your doctor. He can diagnose your condition and determine if, and how much, damage has been done to the esophageal lining. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the acid reflux during a flare up or they may prescribe something that to take on a daily basis to prevent heartburn from occurring at all.

Sometimes the easiest way to avoid acid reflux symptoms is to stay away from the foods or behaviors that can lead to a flare up. For others, over the counter or prescription medication may be necessary to control the symptoms and to allow the esophageal lining to heal.

Acid reflux disease is a potentially serious problem that should be dealt with by your doctor to ensure that you esophagus is properly protected and the condition is treated properly. If you are experiencing heartburn multiple times a week, talk to your doctor about the treatment options available.

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