When reflux ramps up
Many people have acid reflux occasionally but, if it happens a lot, you shouldn’t ignore it. Have you been waking up more often during the night with a burning sensation in your chest and throat? This phenomenon – acid reflux – occurs when stomach contents move back into the esophagus and irritate its lining.
These tips may offer relief:
■ Give yourself time to digest before bed. Sit up straight for at least three hours after eating.
■ Help the body’s natural defense. Smoking can reduce saliva, which helps safeguard against reflux – another reason to kick the habit.
■ Steer clear of dietary triggers. Different foods and beverages prompt reflux for different people, but common triggers include coffee, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products, chocolate, alcohol and spicy and greasy foods.
■ Take a different angle. Sleeping at a slight incline may decrease reflux. Place blocks under the posts at the head of your bed to raise it a few inches.
■ To reduce reflux, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding snacks at least three hours before bed.
About GERD
When reflux occurs twice a week or more, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Here are three things to know about this severe form of reflux:
1. Faulty anatomy is often to blame. A valve called the lower esophageal sphincter allows food to enter the stomach but is supposed to stay closed otherwise. If it weakens due to aging, excess weight, pregnancy or other factors, it can allow stomach acid back into the esophagus.
2. Your lifestyle plays a role. A variety of factors, including what you eat and drink, how you sleep and what you do before bed, can trigger GERD.
3. Relief may come from over the counter. Nonprescription antacids may help control mild symptoms, but it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first.
When lifestyle changes don’t work
Lifestyle modifications alone may not be enough to control reflux, particularly if you have GERD. Taking GERD symptoms lightly can have serious consequences. If left untreated, GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a potential precursor of esophageal cancer.
If reflux continues to be a problem, see your provider. He or she may recommend medications or, as a last resort, surgery may do the trick.
Jack D. Alston, M.D., FACS, is a general surgeon at Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs. Dr. Alston performs a variety of surgical services including laparoscopy, biopsy, colonoscopy and more. For more information, visit SAofSS. com or call 479-215-3040.