Heartburn is a widespread condition among people, and it is caused by stomach acid flowing back to the food pipe. Heartburn is a result of a condition known as Acid reflux. Medical treatment is necessary to avoid serious complications. You can seek medical advice from a Casper acid reflux specialist, virtually or physically. There are various causes of acid reflux that you should familiarize yourself with.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid is mainly caused due to the stomach acid flowing back to the esophagus or can move on to the mouth. The acidity can affect people of all ages. The lifestyle that you adopt can also cause acid reflux. Some risk factors may accelerate acid reflux. They may include the following:
- Smoking for both active and passive smokers.
- Lack of exercise.
- Obesity.
- Some medications may cause acid reflux. For instance, the drugs used for asthma, sedatives, and antidepressants.
- Pregnancy because of the extra pressure placed on the inner organs.
- Alcohol.
- Large food intake.
- Taking carbonated drinks.
Treatment for Acid Reflux
The treatment for acid reflux may vary from taking medication or changing your lifestyle. Once you approach a specialist, they will guide you on the best method to make the condition better. Some specialists will prescribe over-the-counter treatments like antacids. Others will go through endoscopic therapy. If the condition is severe, the specialist can advise you to go through surgery. The most common treatment is the change of lifestyle and dietary changes. The following are ways to relieve acid reflux:
- Eat sparingly and slow– You will experience more acid reflux in the esophagus when the stomach is full. Look into your schedule and normalize eating small meals more frequently instead of having large meals.
- Avoid taking some foods– If you have acid reflux, there are some foods that a specialist will instruct you not to eat. Some foods are more likely to cause more acidity to your stomach than others. They may include fatty foods, spicy foods, garlic, alcohol, chocolate, and onions.
- Avoid carbonated beverages– Fizzy drinks will always make you burp. Burping will send acid into the esophagus. If you are taking water, take it flat instead of making sparkling water.
- It would help if you stayed up after eating– It is advisable to avoid sleeping before two hours are over after eating. When you are standing or sitting upright, gravity will assist in keeping the acid in the stomach.
- Avoid vigorous exercise after eating– Once you eat, avoid exercising. However, you can take a stroll. Exercise that involves bending over can send acid into your esophagus.
- Lose weight- When you have excess weight, it spreads the muscular structure that supports the lower esophageal sphincter. It will, in return, reduce the pressure that closes the sphincter allowing the acid to flow backward.
- Check your medication- Some medications cause acid reflux. Some may include anti-inflammatory painkillers, which relax the sphincter, tricyclic antidepressants, and bisphosphonates that irritate the esophagus.
If you take these steps and still experience acid reflux, ask for further advice from a doctor.
Call an Acid Reflux Specialist Today
Heartburn can be a common condition. However, if it prolongs, it can cause some complications. Look for a specialist who will stop this agony so that you can have an everyday life. Book an appointment with Wyoming Medical Associates for treatment and medical advice.
