Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a medical condition of the upper digestive tract. The main issue of acid reflux, as its name implies, is backward flow of stomach acid and other stomach content to the esophagus. Acid reflux is responsible for heartburn, a stinging burning pain in the esophagus. In order to relieve acid reflux pain, a few of diet and lifestyle changes can be implemented. If those fail, there are several medications which serve as treatments for acid reflux pain.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn. Heartburn develops in the stomach and rises up the esophagus to generate discomfort. It can vary in severity and occurrence from a mild burning occurring on occasion to frequent painful indigestion. According to the University of Virginia Health System, bad cases of heartburn can be mistaken for a heart attack and medical attention should be sought immediately if chest pain is excessive or accompanied by difficulty breathing or pain in the arm. Other symptoms of GERD can include nausea, dry cough, or trouble swallowing.
Diet:
The first treatment for acid reflux pain is dietary modification. Different foods can be GERD triggers for different people. According to the University of Pennsylvania Health System, among the most common triggers of acid reflux are spicy foods, sodas, chocolate and other caffeine-rich foods, and fatty or greasy foods. Strong minty foods can also intensify heartburn. Avoid any of these or other foods that aggravate the stomach.
Lifestyle:
Certain lifestyle modifications can also serve as treatments for acid reflux pain. Instead of eating three large meals, spread eating out into several small portions throughout the day. This can help to relieve acid reflux pain that occurs from overeating. Smoking and drinking alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD, so sufferers should avoid them altogether. Getting regular exercise and minimizing stress can also help to relieve acid reflux pain. Tight-fitting clothing that constricts the stomach and abdominal area should be avoided as they can enhance discomfort from bloating.
Medications:
Several over-the-counter medications are able to relieve acid reflux pain. Antacids like Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, and Maalox are designed to neutralize stomach acid, per the National Institutes of Health. They are not without side effects, however, as they may cause constipation or diarrhea depending on the chemicals involved. Medications called H2 blockers are also aimed at reducing stomach acid. There are several H2 blockers including cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine with brand names like Zantac and Pepcid AC. The University of Pennsylvania Health System reports that some of the strongest drugs for GERD are proton pump inhibitors. These include omeprazole, esomeprazole, and a few others and they include brands like Prilosec and Nexium.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, is a fairly common digestive condition that causes heartburn. There are many treatments for acid reflux pain, including dietary and lifestyle adjustments and certain medications. Anyone who experiences frequent or severe symptoms of GERD should talk to their doctor.
References:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease. University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Heartburn. University of Virginia Health System.
Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health.
