A Pharmacist Can Help With Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Speak to a pharmacist for advice if you keep getting heartburn.
They can recommend medicines called antacids that can help ease your symptoms.
Its best to take these with food or soon after eating, as this is when youre most likely to get heartburn. They may also work for longer if taken with food.
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Lying Down After Eating A Big Meal
Eating a large meal at any time can trigger acid reflux, but it’s especially troublesome if you do it right before you go to bed or decide to lounge on the couch.
Blame it on gravity. “Eating right before lying down leads to reflux since the stomach is full while one is lying down and it is easier for the acid to back up into the esophagus,” explained Dr. Ivanina. “Large meals also may overcome the esophageal barrier and lead to increased acid exposure.”
Try eating several small meals staggered throughout the day instead of fewer large meals. Don’t lie down until two or three hours after you eat and, if you still have problems, try raising the head of your bed a few inches to offset the effect of gravity.
“A lot of people get some relief from sleeping on an incline or with a wedge under their body,” said Dr. Schiller.
Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Diet And Lifestyle Changes
One of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux disease is to avoid the foods and beverages that trigger symptoms. Here are other steps you can take:
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and modify the types of foods you are eating..
- If you’re overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with exercise and diet changes.
- Also, ask your doctor whether any medication could be triggering your heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease.
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Can Indigestion Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are ways to prevent indigestion. To start, you need to know your body and how it reacts to different food and drinks. Spicy and acidic foods and carbonated drinks can trigger indigestion. Try to avoid those things when possible. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and dont eat too late at night. Dont lie down too soon after eating. Limit the use of alcohol. If you use tobacco, try to quit. Stress and lack of sleep also can worsen symptoms.
Dietary And Lifestyle Modifications
Although clinical evidence suggests that dietary and lifestyle modifications are usually not sufficient to bring chronic GERD under control, your physician might suggest a number of dietary and lifestyle changes directed at reducing your symptoms, and adhering to these recommendations might provide some relief. The first goal of treatment is to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Foods that trigger reflux and its symptoms vary from person to person. By paying close attention to your diet and symptoms, you may be able to identify which foods repeatedly contribute to your reflux. Common trigger foods include alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, and some spices. Avoiding large portions at mealtime and eating smaller, more frequent meals might aid in symptom control.
Many overweight individuals find symptom relief when they lose some weight, as excess bulk, especially around the abdomen, might put pressure on the digestive tract, negatively affecting its function. Avoid clothes that fit tightly around the waist, as these also increase abdominal stress.
Smoking cessation is also important for reducing GERD symptoms, as studies point to relaxation of the LES with smoking.
People who have GERD should avoid lying down right after eating and refrain from eating within two to three hours of bedtime.
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Your Stomach & Bad Breath
However, for some people suffering from chronic bad breath the cause isnt coming from their mouth but from their gut. The actual problem is going on inside your stomach, and your mouth is just the gateway for the foul stomach odors to be released.
If youre trying to learn how to cure bad breath coming from stomach then you need to learn more about the different digestive problems that could be the culprit.
If you believe your bad breath problem is originating in your stomach youre probably wondering why. One of the main reasons your stomach and digestive problems cause halitosis is because the bacteria inside your gut releases odors that travel upwards and through your mouth as it breaks down the food you consume.
Another way your stomach can cause chronic bad breath is when the food you eat isnt getting digested properly. Undigested food in your gut will eventually convert into gas that gets released through your mouth as a stinky odor.
Acidic And Citrus Foods
To help manage symptoms of excess stomach acid and acid reflux, it is best to avoid some foods that stimulate excessive amounts of gastric juice.
Dr. Louise Chang on WebMD says that some foods that can increase stomach acid and cause heartburn symptoms to get worse can include:18
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits
- Tomatoes because they are fairly acidic and can cause heartburn in some people
- Onions and garlic as they can aggravate reflux symptoms
- Red peppers have been shown to increase gastric acid secretion19
However, its good to remember that not all of the above-mentioned foods cause the same symptoms in heartburn sufferers. So, its important to find out what triggers your symptoms and then try and avoid it.
Dr. Bonnie Taub-Dix from the American Dietetic Association says that other factors that can affect heartburn are when you eat and how much you eat.18
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Telling The Difference Between A Heartburn & A Heart Attack
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Many people experience a feeling of burning in their lower esophagusclose to the entrance of their stomachbefore it moves up into the chest. That can be cause for concern, especially since heartburn is also a potential symptom of a heart attack.
If the pain is not relieved shortly after taking antacids, or is accompanied by these symptoms, seek emergency medical care:
- Squeezing/tightening in the chest
- Shortness of breath
Even if it is not a heart attack, it could be angina or another issue that needs to be addressed quickly.
Is There Surgery To Treat Gerd
GERD is usually controlled with medications and lifestyle changes . If these dont work, or if you cant take medications for an extended period, surgery may be a solution.
- Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the standard surgical treatment. Its a minimally invasive procedure that fixes your acid reflux by creating a new valve mechanism at the bottom of your esophagus. The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower portion of the esophagus. This reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter so food wont reflux back into the esophagus.
- LINX deviceimplantation is another minimally invasive surgery. A LINX device is a ring of tiny magnets that are strong enough to keep the junction between the stomach and esophagus closed to refluxing acid but weak enough to allow food to pass through.
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What Is Acid Reflux
During normal digestion, food goes down the esophagus through a muscle or valve known as the lower esophageal sphincter , and into the stomach.
When you experience heartburn or acid reflux, the LES is relaxing, or opening, when it shouldnt. This allows acid from the stomach to rise back up into the esophagus.
Though most anyone may experience heartburn once in a while, those who have more severe cases may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease . In these cases, its important to treat the condition to reduce painful and uncomfortable symptoms and safeguard the esophagus and the throat.
What Are The Symptoms Of Indigestion
Each persons symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling full too soon while eating
- Feeling pain, burning, and discomfort in your upper belly or abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Burping and loud stomach gurgling
- Having an upset stomach or vomiting
- Having diarrhea
The symptoms of indigestion may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.
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When To Call The Doctor
Dr. Rx
“If symptoms are frequent, it is very important to discuss them with your doctor. Although its rarely a sign of something more serious, it can be a sign of diseases such as Parkinsons and multiple sclerosis. Particularly if the symptoms of regurgitation are associated with difficulty swallowing, spasms, tremors, rigidity, numbness, or weakness.”Dr. Manuelpillai
- If the symptoms are frequent or interfere with daily life.
- If you develop other concerning symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, or a heavy sensation in your arms or legs, it could be a sign of Parkinsons. If you experience blurry or double vision, numbness/tingling, or spasms, these may be early signs of multiple sclerosis.
Things To Know About Heartburn
The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is made of muscles that work to push food toward the stomach in rhythmic waves. Once in the stomach, food is prevented from refluxing , by a special area of circular muscle located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter . A pressure difference across the diaphragm, the flat muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, also tends to keep stomach contents in the stomach.
The stomach combines food, acids, and enzymes together to begin digestion. There are special protective cells that line the stomach to prevent the acid from causing inflammation. The esophagus does not have this same protection, and if stomach acid and digestive juices reflux back into the esophagus, they can cause inflammation and damage to its unprotected lining.
- Heartburn is a symptom of a common medical condition that affects up to 20% of the population.
- Initial therapies to limit the amount of stomach acid production include lifestyle changes including avoiding certain foods, alcohol, anti-inflammatory medications, and quitting smoking.
- Medications can be helpful in controlling symptoms of heartburn.
- Weight loss may help decrease heartburn symptoms by decreasing intra-abdominal pressure.
- Heartburn is not a benign condition. If neglected over long periods of time it may lead to other more serious conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
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Heartburn & Indigestion: When To Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion are all terms used to describe that GI discomfort that everyone gets from time to time. A bout of acid reflux usually occurs after a big meal, eating too close to laying down for bed, or after eating or drinking something that does not settle right.
While uncomfortable, most of the time it is something temporary that can be managed at home with over-the-counter antacids or other medication. However, there are certain symptoms that can either accompany or be mistaken for acid reflux that require immediate medical care.
Are There Risk Factors
Some of the potential risk factors for developing high levels of stomach acid include:
- Medications: If you take medication to lower stomach acid production and then come off of treatment, you may develop rebound high stomach acid. However, this typically resolves on its own over time.
- H. pylori infection: Having an active H. pylori bacterial infection in your stomach may lead to an increase in stomach acid.
- Genetics: About
High stomach acid is often treated with protein pump inhibitors . These medications work to lower stomach acid production.
PPIs have a higher efficacy than H2 blockers. Theyre often given orally, but can be given by IV in more severe cases.
If your high stomach acid is caused by an H. pylori infection, youll be prescribed antibiotics along with a PPI. The antibiotics work to kill the bacteria while the PPI will help lower stomach acid production.
Sometimes surgery may be recommended, such as removal of gastrinomas in people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Additionally, people who have severe ulcers may need to have surgery to remove part of the stomach or vagus nerve .
If heartburn is one of your symptoms, you can make dietary changes to help reduce your symptoms:
- eating smaller and more frequent meals
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Where Theres Smoke Theres Fire
Often, what we eat can trigger heartburn. Although heartburn triggers are different for everyone, some common foods that can cause it include:
- Food with tomatoes or tomato sauce
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks may also bring on the burn. Certain medical conditions and medications can also cause it. Our lifestyle habits may also lead to heartburn for instance, smoking is a potential cause, and exercise may trigger it as well.
Both alcohol and tobacco can relax that LES, and when it relaxes, it opens. When its open, thats when its more likely that the contents will go up the esophagus, Sauer explains.
The pain caused by heartburn may be worse if you are lying down , as the liquid contents of the stomach wont have to fight gravity like they do when you are standing. Also, pregnancy can worsen instances of heartburn, because the growing fetus takes up space within the body and pushes up against the stomach. Obesity is the most common risk factor for heartburn, as the extra weight in the midsection puts pressure on the stomach, leading the reflux.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Gerd
Often, people who have GERD notice that they regularly have the pain of heartburn in the chest or stomach. This can last up to a couple of hours. Many notice their heartburn is worse after eating.
Regurgitation when food and liquid containing stomach acid comes back up into the throat or mouth is also a sign of GERD. But, like heartburn, occasional regurgitation is common for everyone.
Other symptoms of GERD include:
- a sore, raw throat or hoarse voice
- a frequent sour taste of acid, especially when lying down
- a feeling of burping acid into the mouth
- trouble swallowing
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Bile Acid In The Stomach
If you have ever experienced heartburn that travels up your throat and into your mouth, leaving a sour taste behind, it may be due to bile acid in your stomach. When this fluid fills your stomach, its cause is bile reflux, a condition often related to acid reflux. Although it can be hard to distinguish between the two, ignoring its symptoms and leaving it untreated can result in serious health complications.
Complications Of Excess Stomach Acid
Excessive amounts of stomach acid cause the following three conditions:
- Peptic ulcers: Sores that result from acid eating away at the stomach’s lining.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease : GERD is a medical condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding: Acid that leaks into the GI tract can cause sores and bleeding, especially in the organs associated with digestion such as the small intestine and pancreas.
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Causes Of Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Lots of people get heartburn from time to time. There’s often no obvious reason why.
Sometimes it’s caused or made worse by:
- certain food and drink such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
- being overweight
- an increase in some types of hormones, such as progesterone and oestrogen
- some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers
- a hiatus hernia when part of your stomach moves up into your chest
While Trying To Sleep
The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders note that 79% of individuals with GERD experience symptoms after bedtime.
As many as 75% of those with the condition say the symptoms have an effect on their sleep, and 40% claim the loss of sleep affects their ability to function when they get up.
While GERD influences sleep, sleep deprivation also has an impact on GERD. A lack of sleep can cause increased sensitivity to acid in the esophagus.
A person with acid reflux after bedtime may have more acute symptoms than a person experiencing it mainly during the day.
This combination of sleep disturbances and more severe symptoms means that experiencing acid reflux while trying to sleep can worsen the quality of life for people with the condition.
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How Common Is Gerd
GERD is very common. The condition and its symptoms touch a huge number of people: 20% of the U.S. population.
Anyone of any age can develop GERD, but some may be more at risk for it. For example, the chances youll have some form of GERD increase after age 40.
Youre also more likely to have it if youre:
- Overweight or obese.
- Smoking or are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Taking certain medications that may cause acid reflux.
When Should You Go To An Er For Acid Reflux
Some people who experience acid reflux may think that other symptoms that might occur at the same time as reflux are simply part of the bodys reflux response. However, symptoms that go beyond regular heartburn are probably not just incidental and could be a sign of something more serious.
These symptoms accompanying acid reflux should always mean a trip to the emergency room:
- Feeling confused or sudden weakness
- When the reflux moves/relocates from how you typically experience it
- Fainting/loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Vomit that has blood in it or is black
- Stool that is black and/or accompanied by blood
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