Do I have acid reflux?
Acid reflux can manifest itself in many different ways. Some people experience stomach discomfort or a burning sensation in their chest/stomach area. Mine manifested itself mainly in that I often felt like I could not breathe because my esophagus was swelling up because of the inflammation. I would also frequently throw up for unknown reasons. The best way to determine if you have acid reflux, however, is to see your doctor. He may recommend that you see a gastroenterologist. If you or your doctor seriously believe that you have acid reflux, it is probably best to see one of these specialists. They can give you really good suggestions and prescriptions to help you manage your acid reflux in the best way based on its causes and your lifestyle.
Causes of acid reflux:
Genetics: This is the most determining factor in my acid reflux. I have a lax esophageal sphincter, something which I inherited from my mother. Although the medical terminology sounds rather intimidating, it simply means that my stomach valve, which is supposed to be completely shut when I am not swallowing, sits slightly open all the time. This allows stomach acid to flow into my esophagus, causing heartburn. Obesity and pregnancy can worsen a lax sphincter, but fortunately, as a very skinny single woman, my sphincter is still in the best shape it can be. You can determine if you have an esophageal deformity by having a simple procedure done called an endoscopy where they stick a small camera down your throat to examine your esophagus. I was given a drug that left me awake during the procedure but relaxed me and I do not remember the procedure at all. It leaves you somewhat woozy for a short time afterward.
Diet: If I am not careful, my diet can cause heartburn flare-ups. This is especially true because of my lax sphincter, but a diet with high fat and acid content can cause someone with a normal esophagus to experience heartburn. Many foods that can contribute to heartburn are tomatoes, spicy foods, foods with high grease and fat contents, light roast coffee, and chocolate. Over-sized meals and meals late at night are also good for causing heartburn.
Stress: For the most part, I don’t have an issue with stress causing heartburn. But I’ve had unexplained heartburn before big trips, my first week of college, before big tests, and on my first day of work. When your body gets stressed, it produces excess stomach acid, which can burn your esophagus, especially if you have a lax sphincter.
How to Prevent Acid Reflux Symptoms:
Prescriptions: Although not everyone needs a medicinal solution to their acid reflux, your doctor may decide that a prescription solution will best help your situation. This is the key for me to controlling my reflux. Although I can get away without taking it for a night or two, my chest normally feels tight and I feel slightly nauseated in the morning if I don’t take it. My doctor prescribed Nexium for me, and I take it every night before bed. Nexium shuts down the acid production in your stomach, which then helps with the problem of acid flowing into my esophagus. Food is still able to be digested however, because there is still some acid in your stomach and plenty of enzymes. In fact, I sometimes think my food digests too quickly because I am always hungry! Many people don’t need something as strong as Nexium, however. Zantac and Prilosec are two other well-known heartburn medicines that are available as both prescriptions and OTC. Medicines like Tums and Pepto-Bismal can help if you need a little something extra, but are not good long term solutions for acid reflux. Your doctor will know what medicine, if any, is right for you.
Elevating your bed: Although it may sound slightly strange, this is really a very important step in controlling my reflux. I elevate the head of my bed 4-6 inches. You can purchase bed risers at a store like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or simply get some wood at the hardware store and cut 6 inch square blocks. Then place one riser under each leg of your headboard. This method lets gravity help prevent heartburn. Since you are sleeping at a slight angle, it is much harder for acid to flow up into your esophagus, and it tends to stay down in your stomach. Elevating the head of your bed can be a major headache and hassle while traveling, so I have purchased an inflatable bed wedge for travels. Simply propping your head up with pillows doesn’t cut it, your entire torso from waist up must be angled. This is where I purchased mine: www.brucemedical.com/delinbedwed.html. Sleeping with your bed angled is not uncomfortable at all and once you are really accustomed to it a flat bed will feel like it’s upside-down!
Dietary Caution: Between the previous two solutions, my heartburn is nearly completely controlled and I hardly have to pay attention to what I eat. But for someone whose heartburn is more food-related, caution while eating is highly recommended. I have to try not to eat too large of meals, especially spicy or tomato-y ones later in the day, and if I do, I know I have to sit up reading later before going to bed to give my food time to digest. I’ve discovered Italian all-you-can-eat buffets are not my best option. Its also best not to eat anything for at least 1-2 hours before lying down. The closer to bedtime it is, the lighter your meals/snacks should become. I’ve discovered that snacks like cheese, crackers, milk, and yogurt are OK for several hours before bed, and a glass of skim milk is OK for me right before bed. But everyone’s stomach is different, and you need to discover what your stomach can handle.
A small amount of common sense: Don’t stand on your head after eating. Also, don’t lie down for a while after eating, or do exercises like Pilate’s or yoga. Running also isn’t recommended shortly after eating.
Surgery: Some doctors may recommend surgery to tighten your sphincter, and this option was offered to my mom. However, it can often cause problems with people having too TIGHT of sphincters, and isn’t always successful. I wouldn’t recommend it except in extreme cases as you can control acid reflux with non-invasive measures very successfully.
Those are all the tips I can think of right now, but if you have any questions feel free to comment or contact me!
All information in this article was obtained throughout my experience with acid reflux from personal experience, my mom’s advice, and the advice of our doctors.
