Acid Reflux Disease and Treatment Options
Acid reflux disease (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) is a painful and quite common disease that millions of Americans suffer from. Acid reflux treatment can vary from medication, lifestyle changes, diet changes, and even surgery. But before you learn about the options for acid reflux treatment, you should first learn what acid reflux is.
Acid reflux occurs when the digestive acid from your stomach refluxes and enters your esophagus. This is because your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn't close like it should or it relaxes too often. You lower esophageal sphincter divides your stomach from your esophagus. When the stomach acid refluxes, it enters your esophagus and causes a burning sensation known as heartburn. If left untreated, over time acid reflux can permanently damage your esophagus. This is because the digestive acid corrodes and destroys the lining of your esophagus. This condition is called Erosive Esophagitis (EE).
Treating acid reflux first involves medication. Over the counter medications such as: antacids, Zantac, and Pepcid can ease the heartburn symptoms and provide temporary relief. Prescription medications are usually the best option because they can also help your esophagus heal. These are called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PIP). They work to stop some of the digestive acid from being produced to stop acid reflux and give your esophagus a chance to heal. Some of these medications are: Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec.
Lifestyle changes and diet changes are also a necessary treatment option that you should use in conjunction with medication. Some lifestyle changes are: reducing stress, exercise, avoiding cigarette smoking, wear loose fitting clothing without belts, and eating smaller meals that are well balanced. Diet changes involve avoiding acid reflux triggers such as: spicy foods, acidic juices, fatty foods, caffeine,alcohol, chocolates, and mints. Each person can have different acid reflux triggers. Pay attention to what triggers your acid reflux. It is also suggested to avoid eating within 3 hour of going to sleep because this often can trigger acid reflux.
The last acid reflux treatment is surgery. This surgery is called Nissen fundoplication. It involves strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) by wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus. It then prevents acid reflux from occuring by preventing any digestive acid from refluxing into the esophagus. Nissen fundoplication is done by videoscopic surgery. Surgery should be the last option for treating acid reflux.
See your doctor to first determine if you have acid reflux disease. Then you may talk to your doctor to determine which acid reflux treatment is right for you. With careful consideration, you should be able to get your acid reflux under control. You will then be on your way to living your life without the pain of heartburn.
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