Acid Reflux: Can it be cured?
Acid reflux or GERD is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.
However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. A lifestyle change is sometimes all you need.
Obesity can cause or contribute to GERD. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. An important aspect of GERD treatment is losing weight.
Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.
Large volume of food in the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.
Certain foods can affect GERD. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.
Some drugs can affect the LES and result in acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.
GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.
If you have GERD and you are on medication, opt for liquid medication. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.
Acid Reflux risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Acid reflux symptoms can develop in joggers.
If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
