Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
Symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, burning sensations, difficulty swallowing and a sensation of a lump in the throat.
Normally, esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
A ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. But when the LES relaxes or weakens, acid can travel up the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
Signs and symptoms of acid reflux
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Pain and discomfort in the chest.
- feeling of acid flowing back into the mouth or throat.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Nausea and vomiting: Especially after eating a large meal or lying down.
- Sour taste of the mouth.
- Irritation of the vocal cords due to stomach acid entering the throat.
- Chronic cough.
- Bad Breathing
Causes
- Overeating
- After eating food, immediately lying down or sleep.
- Certain foods and drinks such as Acidic foods, such as spicy foods, Fast Food, Junk Food, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and cold drinks.
- Delaying meals or not eating for extended periods.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy risk of acid reflux.
Medications for acid reflux
- Antacids Medications – These medications are available over the counter such as Magnesium Hydroxide, Dimethicone (Simethicone), Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Aluminium Hydroxide Gel, Magnesium trisilicate, bismuth subsalicylate and Pepto-Bismol. They work by neutralizing stomach acid.
- H2 Receptor Blockers Medications – Such as Zantac (ranitidine), Nizatidine (Axid), Pepcid (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine). These medications work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach, which reduces the production of stomach acid.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – They work by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid production in the stomach. PPIs available OTC and with an Rx such as Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole (Prilosec), Pantoprazole (Protonix), Rabeprazole (Aciphex).
- Prokinetics – How They Work: Prokinetics help strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter and speed up stomach emptying, which can reduce reflux. Example – Bethanechol Bethanechol (Urecholine), Cisapride Cisapride (Propulsid) and Metoclopramide (Reglan) commonly prescribed.
- Foaming Agents – Foaming agents create a protective barrier in the stomach to prevent acid reflux. Example – Gaviscon.
- Alginate Drugs – These medications form a protective barrier on top of stomach contents, reducing reflux symptoms. Example: Gaviscon Advance.
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Surgical Options: In some cases where medications and lifestyle changes aren’t effective, surgical procedures might be considered. These can include:
- Fundoplication: A surgical technique where the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and prevent acid reflux.
- LINX device: This is a small device placed around the LES to help keep it closed and prevent reflux.
Tips for Use:
- Always consult and follow your doctor’s advice when taking these medications.
- Be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Herbal remedies for acid reflux
- Fennel Seeds – Chewing on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals can aid digestion and reduce gas and bloating, making it helpful for gastric issues.
- Coconut Water – Coconut water is alkaline in nature and can help neutralise excess stomach acid.
- Aloe Vera Juice – Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the digestive tract. Drink half a cup of aloe vera juice before meals to reduce acidity.
- Cumin Water – Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, strain the mixture, and drink the water. Cumin water aids digestion and can relieve bloating and gas.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals more frequently can help prevent the overproduction of stomach acid and ease digestion.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods can exacerbate gastric issues. Avoid spicy, fried, fast food or acidic foods, along with caffeine and carbonated beverages.
Ayurvedic medicine for acid reflux
- Triphala Churna
- Shivakshar Pachan Churna
- Kamdudha Ras Tablet
- Sutshekhar Ras Tablet
- Lahusnadi Vati Tablet
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Disclaimer – Information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.