Acid Reflux Specialist / Ulcer
Doctor in Chennai

What is Acid Reflux Disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach on a regular basis (esophagus). Acid reflux (backwash) can irritate the lining of your oesophagus.
Many people suffer from acid reflux on occasion. GERD is defined as mild acid reflux occurring at least twice a week or moderate to severe acid reflux occurring at least once a week.
Most people can manage their GERD symptoms with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, some people with GERD may require stronger medications or surgery to alleviate symptoms.

Common Causes of Acid Reflux Disease?

A hiatal hernia, a stomach abnormality, is a common cause of acid reflux disease. This happens when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm, which is a muscle that connects your stomach to your chest. Normally, the diaphragm aids in the retention of stomach acid. However, if you have a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into your oesophagus and cause acid reflux symptoms.

Acid reflux symptoms

Heartburn a burning sensation that can spread from your stomach to your abdomen, chest, or even your throat.

A sour or bitter-tasting acid backs up into your throat or mouth, causing regurgitation.

Other symptoms of acid reflux disease include:

• Bloating
• Bloody or black stools or bloody
• vomiting
• Burping
• Dysphagia — the sensation of food being stuck in your throat
• Hiccups that don’t let up
• Nausea
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat

Treatments for Acid Reflux

In certain cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter drugs is all that is needed to control acid reflux disease symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications:

Antacids are stomach acid neutralizers. which can help you feel better quickly. on the other hand, antacids would not cure an inflamed oesophagus caused by stomach acid. Some antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhoea or kidney problems if taken too often.
Medications that reduce the development of acid and can reduce stomach acid output.
Medications that stop the development of acid and help the oesophagus recover. Proton pump inhibitors are more powerful acid blockers than H-2 receptor blockers, and they give damaged esophageal tissue more time to recover.