In this video I look at the common complaint of acid reflux: what it is, how it is caused, ways to prevent and treat it and when to seek advice from your GP. I hope you will find this informative.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX or ACID REFLUX

WHAT IS ACID REFLUX?

Gastroesophageal reflux, also called "acid reflux," is something most people experience in a mild way occasionally, often after eating a meal. However some people experience bothersome sustained symptoms of acid reflux and this is a common ailment I encounter in my work. Symptoms would include heartburn, regurgitation of food and difficulty or pain with swallowing.

WHAT HAPPENS IN ACID REFLUX?

When you eat, food is carried from your mouth to your stomach through the oesophagus, a tube-like structure that is about 10 inches long and 1 inch wide in adults. The oesophagus is made of tissue and muscle layers that expand and contract to propel food to your stomach through a series of wave-like movements. At the lower end of the oesophagus, where it connects to the stomach, there is a circular ring of muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter. After you swallow, this relaxes to allow food to enter your stomach where it mixes with acids that assist with the digestion process. 

And then it contracts to prevent the food and acid from backing up into your oesophagus. But when it relaxes inappropriately; this allows liquids in the stomach to wash back into the oesophagus. 

WHY DO WE GET IT?

Many things cause increased acid reflux, mostly things we enjoy!! Some foods (including fatty foods, chocolate, and peppermint), caffeine, alcohol, and cigarette smoking. Certain medications also increase acid reflux as well as pregnancy. People who are obese or overweight seem to have an increased risk of sustained acid reflux which is thought to be related to increased pressure in the abdomen. Stress is a huge contributing factor to acid reflux. 

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

If you have mild symptoms, you can try some approaches before seeking medical attention. Unsurprisingly certain lifestyle and dietary changes can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. These include: avoiding late meals, losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding excessive consumption of caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, and fatty foods as well as managing your stress. 

Also quitting smoking if you’re a smoker as saliva helps to neutralise refluxed acid, and smoking reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth and throat.

Think about your clothing - tight-fitting clothing may also increase pressure in the abdomen, forcing stomach contents up into the oesophagus. You can also try raising the head of your bed if you get regular acid reflux during the night.

You can try some over-the-counter medication such as Nexium, Gaviscon, Milk of Magnesium.

WHEN TO SEEK ADVICE from your GP

If you have difficulty or pain with swallowing (eg, feeling like food gets stuck in your throat) you need to see your GP. 

Other serious symptoms can be: having no appetite or losing weight without trying, chest pain, having a choking sensation, blood in your vomit or bowel movements and new stomach pain.