At the end of your esophagus, a valve opens to allow the food from the mouth to enter the stomach during eating. That valve then firmly closes to prevent stomach content from returning to the esophagus. Sometimes, that valve can weaken or relax mistakenly to cause Anchorage acid reflux. When you have acid reflux, also called heartburn, content from the stomach flows back into the esophagus to irritate its lining.
As a result, you will experience a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, bad breath, unpleasant taste, general discomfort, and even bloating. Usually, the signs and symptoms of acid reflux appear or worsen after a meal or when you bend over or sleep.
Potential causes of acid reflux
Heartburn can be triggered or aggravated by consuming certain foods and drinks. These foods and drinks include chocolate, alcohol, coffee, tea, garlic, onions, and mint. Carbonated drinks and foods with high levels of spices and fats can also aggravate or trigger acid reflux.
You can also trigger heartburn if you overeat and go to bed almost immediately or lie down to rest on a sofa. Lying down can make it easier for the valve closing your stomach to open, and stomach content can easily return to the esophagus. The opening of the valve and the flowing stomach content does not face resistance from gravity.
Also, when overweight or pregnant, there may be more pressure on the valves of your body, including the one closing the stomach. Excessive strain on the valve between the stomach and the esophagus can cause it to relax at the wrong time. That will allow the return of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Complications of acid reflux
Without acid reflux treatment, it can develop into a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Chronic acid reflux can cause complications, including enamel erosion, esophagitis, irritated windpipe, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer.
For example, esophagitis is an irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting your mouth and stomach. That is why the condition is also called esophagus inflammation. An inflamed esophagus becomes constricted to make it harder to swallow food.
It is also possible for your teeth to come into contact with the stomach acid reaching your mouth. Long-term exposure of your teeth to stomach acid can lead to enamel erosion, the tooth’s outer layer. If the enamel is compromised, you risk tooth decay and loss.
Acid reflux treatment
Often, you can relieve acid reflux by taking antacids that you can buy from your local pharmacy. Antacids are medications that impair the working of enzymes that create stomach acid and neutralize stomach acid in the esophagus or mouth.
If your signs and symptoms of acid reflux appear for an extended period, you will need your doctor to prescribe antacids. Other times, medications may not provide relief, and your food pipe may be damaged. In that situation, you need surgery to improve the function of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
Contact Pioneer GI Clinic today to book a consultation with an acid reflux specialist.