Imagine waking up to find you have chest pain and heartburn. Alternatively, you notice extraesophageal manifestations like asthma or cough. These typical signs and symptoms are some early warning you might have acid reflux. Fortunately, individuals struggling with Cypress acid reflux have benefited from various treatment options, including medication to lower acid production and heal the esophagus. When you visit your doctor for treatment, they will explain everything concerning the condition to ensure you have peace of mind during the treatment. The following are facts about acid reflux your doctor will let you know.
You Should Avoid Acidic Foods
Healthcare providers advise patients to avoid acidic foods if they have acid reflux disease since they weaken the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. Some acidic foods you should be aware of include chocolate, tomato, alcohol, onion, and garlic. Unfortunately, healthy foods like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are acidic. As a result, understanding these acidic foods is integral as you will reduce the risks of getting acid reflux disease.
Acid Reflux Does not Result From Excess Stomach Acid
Numerous individuals argue that acid reflux results from excessive stomach acid. However, the lack of acid in your stomach can be responsible for the condition. Even though heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) result from stomach acid splashes to the esophagus, it does not mean you must have excessive acid. When you have reduced acid production, digestion becomes difficult because your stomach requires acid to digest food particles and absorb nutrients.
Acid Subduing Medication Can Cause Serious Side Effects
Healthcare specialists usually recommend diet and lifestyle changes to solve the condition. However, if these modifications fail to show improvement, the last option may be acid-suppressing drugs. Unluckily, these drugs are not beneficial as they contribute to several severe side effects. On the other hand, these drugs steal crucial nutrients in your body leading to magnesium, vitamin B12, calcium, and iron deficiencies. Thus, you should first try lifestyle adjustment before choosing this treatment.
Acid Reflux Is Only One Type of Reflux Disease
Many people assume GERD is the only kind of reflux disease. However, throat burn reflux is another type of reflux acid disease that occurs when gastric components return to your esophagus and creep into the lungs, larynx, or sinuses. Also, Non-erosive Reflux Disease is another common type where no esophagus erosions are visible via conventional endoscopy. Therefore, when you visit your healthcare provider, your doctor will examine your symptoms to determine the type of reflux disease you have before recommending a treatment.
There Are Several Reasons behind Acid Reflux Apart From Food Triggers
Anxiety, lack of sleep, and smoking are some acid reflux triggers. Studies have shown that nightmare reflux can contribute to sleep disturbance, which may worsen GERD through prolonged acid contact time. Furthermore, studies assert that reflux patients struggling with stress report troubling symptoms associated with acid reflux, although there is no surge in gastric acid. Smoking cigarettes can worsen your acid reflux because smoke irritates your stomach lining and decreases esophageal pressure.
If left untreated, your acid reflux can adversely affect your well-being as you might experience chest pain, trouble sleeping, cough, asthma, and heartburn after eating. These implications can limit your ability to perform daily activities as usual; thus, you should seek medical attention immediately. Fortunately, visiting your healthcare clinic will give you time with a doctor to analyze your condition. Afterward, the provider will recommend effective medications and mechanisms you can embrace, like quitting smoking, to lower the risk of getting the disease in the future.
