Acid reflux is one of the most common causes of pain experienced by people from around the world. Caused by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to keep the acid within the stomach away from the esophagus (and sometimes all the way to the mouth), it causes a burning sensation on the affected area/s while leaving them prone to damage.
Aside from being a nuisance every time it strikes, it can also cause more severe gastrointestinal problems moving forward. Proper management techniques can go a long way in managing this condition. This acid reflux treatment plan will help you alleviate symptoms and keep them from coming back.
1. Lifestyle changes- Some lifestyle modifications are necessary for managing acid reflux. It is recommended that if you are diagnosed with acid reflux disease, youll need to lie down in bed with your upper body slightly elevated. One of the reasons why acid manages to climb above the stomach is because the lying position makes it easy for it to happen. Without gravity, acid can easily travel the esophagus and even go higher. Elevate your body when going to bed by using pillows, using a wedge-shaped foam, or using an adjustable bed. Another recommended lifestyle change might be the introduction of yoga for acid reflux to your daily routine.
2. Changing eating habits- There are certain foods that are known to trigger acid reflux. Some of them do it in different ways. Foods like chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks promote reflux by relaxing the esophageal sphincter. Also, spicy and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, chili, and carbonated drinks can increase acid production and increase the odds of it being pushed up the esophagus. Avoiding such foods will be extremely beneficial if you have a history of having reflux.
3. Quit smoking- Cigarette smoking is implicated to all kinds of health problems. Researches have uncovered that acid reflux is actually linked to smoking. More patients diagnosed with acid reflux disease are smokers compared to non-smokers. The reason behind this phenomenon is that nicotine, the main active ingredient of cigarettes, relaxes the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus. As such, any acid reflux treatment plan should also include the cessation of cigarette smoking.
4. Medications- Drug treatment is prescribed either when the damage is significant enough or if conservative management does not yield enough results. There are specific medications that can be very helpful in managing this condition. Antacids are one of the mainstays of acid reflux disease treatment as it reduces excess stomach acid production, reducing the potential of reflux. Antihistamines are also great because it inhibits the production of stomach acids. Pro-motility drugs can also be used for managing reflux because it stimulates normal peristaltic function of the gastrointestinal tract.
If you are having trouble with acid reflux, it is fortunate that there is so much you can do about it. There are a lot of ways to prevent and cure this condition. Use these acid reflux treatment techniques, make sure to comply with them, and youll be on your way to taking down this common health problem for good.