Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube responsible for carrying food to the stomach, causing irritation, a burning sensation, and other symptoms.
While anyone can experience gastroesophageal reflux at some point in life, it can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease when it becomes frequent or chronic.
What Causes Reflux?
The causes of gastroesophageal reflux vary widely and can include:
- Diet: certain foods and beverages can trigger acid reflux, such as spicy, acidic, or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and others.
- Medical conditions: certain illnesses or health conditions can affect the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Pregnancy: heartburn during pregnancy is caused by hormonal changes, as well as increased abdominal pressure.
- Obesity: excess body weight can place additional pressure on the abdomen and stomach, pushing stomach acid up into the esophagus.
- Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter: this valve normally opens to let food and drink pass into the stomach, but if it relaxes improperly, acid can flow back the other way.
- Smoking: smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production.
These aren’t the only factors behind gastroesophageal reflux, but they’re among the most common.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux vary from person to person, with the most common including heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, pain when swallowing, chronic cough, difficulty breathing, nausea, or vomiting.
A person may experience just one or several of these symptoms, and their intensity also varies from case to case.
How Can Reflux Be Treated?
Choosing the right treatment for gastroesophageal reflux depends on factors such as symptom severity and frequency.
A common strategy is making lifestyle changes, including avoiding foods or drinks that trigger acid reflux, reducing meal portions, maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping in a proper position, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
If medication is needed to manage acid reflux, options include antacids, medications that reduce stomach acid production, or medications aimed at strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter.
In severe cases where less invasive treatments haven’t been effective, surgery may be needed to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter or help prevent acid reflux altogether.
It’s important to seek specialized medical care before starting any treatment, so a gastroenterologist can fully assess the situation and provide the appropriate care.
It’s also worth understanding that there’s no permanent cure for gastric reflux, even if it resolves at some point, certain circumstances in the future can cause it to return.
Another common question is about quick home remedies for gastric reflux, and while options like baking soda or ginger exist, they can, in some cases, only mask symptoms rather than address the underlying cause.
Which Side Should You Sleep On to Avoid Reflux?
Sleep position can also affect how much reflux occurs. A common question is which side to sleep on to help prevent it, and there are a few helpful tips:
- Elevate the upper body: sleeping with your head and shoulders elevated helps prevent stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus.
- Sleep on your left side: some people find relief sleeping on their left side rather than their right or on their back, since this position helps keep stomach acid in place.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach: this position increases pressure on both the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter, which can worsen symptoms.
- Avoid eating right before bed: try to eat two to three hours before lying down to allow proper digestion.
Is Reflux Dangerous in Babies?
Reflux in babies is common and, in most cases, doesn’t pose a health risk, some babies may even experience it without showing many noticeable symptoms.
However, in some cases, gastroesophageal reflux in infants can cause concerning symptoms such as intense crying, trouble sleeping, vomiting, and feeding difficulties; in more severe cases, it can lead to esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus), chronic cough, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
See a pediatrician to assess the risk level and, if complications arise, ensure the baby receives specialized care early.
In most cases, gastroesophageal reflux in babies can be managed with dietary changes and positioning the baby appropriately during and after feeding.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care related to gastroesophageal reflux. Contact us!
