Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Chances are, you’ve already experienced acid reflux. One of the most common symptoms is heartburn, that painful burn in your chest that sometimes happens after a meal or if you lie down after eating. The other telltale sign is food backing up into your mouth, which may cause an unpleasant sour taste. As uncomfortable as acid reflux may be, it’s usually not a problem if it only happens occasionally. However, when reflux occurs repeatedly, it may cross the line into a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to chest pain, GERD may lead to longer-term symptoms such as nausea, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux may have several causes, especially certain foods, says Kansas-based registered dietitian Chersyl Massato. While everyone has different triggers, major offenders include fatty or spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, acidic juices and mint, she explains. In addition, large meals and lying down too soon after eating can also increase the likelihood of acid reflux.
Certain medications can also cause or worsen acid reflux. These include calcium channel blockers to treat high blood pressure, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants and some asthma medications.
Even your anatomy may predispose you to the condition. For instance, people with a hiatal hernia, where part of the upper stomach pushes up into the diaphragm, are also more likely to experience acid reflux. Pregnancy can also be a culprit due to the increased pressure on the stomach from the baby, says Mussatto.
Side Effects of Acid Reflux
As uncomfortable as acid reflux may be, it’s usually not a problem if it only happens occasionally. Longer-term GERD is another story, as chronic acid exposure may cause damage from the mouth down through the esophagus.
In the mouth, acid can eventually wear down tooth enamel and promote tooth decay. Lower down in the digestive tract, acid backsplash into the esophagus may cause inflammation that alters the esophageal lining. This may eventually lead to the formation of an esophageal stricture, a type of scar tissue that narrows the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Chronic acid reflux may also cause laryngitis, where the voice box becomes sore and inflamed, possibly making speaking challenging.
In extreme cases, the backflow of stomach acid may even cause bleeding and possibly ulcers. When esophagitis is severe and chronic, it may increase the odds of developing a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which may lead to esophageal cancer.
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