Picture of colorful bell peppers. FreeQuickRecipes .com
Easy Meal Ideas for Mothers ... & Others

Book Picture
Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Healthy Recipes

Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatments

You had that bowl of chili and now you’re fighting the unpleasantness of heartburn. Most of us do experience this ailment once in awhile. What about those who experience it more often or even every day? This could be known as acid reflux.


Acid reflux is caused by the stomach acids backing up in the esophagus. Also known as GERD, this unpleasant ailment happens when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES is not working correctly. There is a small muscle found at the opening of the stomach and when working correctly should remained closed so the stomach acid cannot flow back up into the esophagus. When it’s not working correctly and the acid backs up it is called acid reflux. This can also cause inflammation of the esophagus, ulcers and it increases the risk of cancer of the esophagus and throat.


Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatments

How do we know if we have acid reflux? There are many symptoms and some experience them all and some only one or two. Here are a few of the symptoms. If you are dealing with any of these talk to your health care professional to see if you are a candidate for acid reflux.

Heartburn is the most common symptom. Many people suffer from heartburn but with acid reflux suffers have heartburn quite frequently. Experiencing heartburn several times a week could be a sign of acid reflux. Keep in mind though that some who have acid reflux may never suffer from heartburn.

Some suffers of acid reflux have the feeling of something stuck in their throat. A chocking feeling when really there is nothing there. Difficulty in swallowing is also a sign of acid reflux.

A dry persistent cough is also associated with acid reflux. The acid in the throat irritates the nerves in the esophagus and throat causing the cough. Becoming hoarse when talking or wheezing are also symptoms to be aware of. The acid from the stomach damages the esophagus and throat causing these types of symptoms. These symptoms are usually experienced in the morning but can become a problem throughout the day.

It has also been shown that acid reflux can aggravate and lead to asthma, sinusitis, ear aches and even throwing up. Many sufferers complain of feeling the acid in their throats and even up into the mouth area causing nausea and persistent vomiting.

How can you treat acid reflux? Again there are numerous treatments available. Experiencing any of the above symptoms means a visit to a health care professional. They can prescribe medications that can assist in the treatment of acid reflux. There are also a number of herbal treatments available. Another treatment is a change in the way you live your life.

Change the way you eat. Stay away from those spicy foods. They only aggravate the situation. Leave such foods as citrus fruits, chocolate, fried and fatty foods out of your diet. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. These promote acid in the stomach. Alcohol relaxes the muscle opening at the stomach causing the acid to backup into the esophagus. Tobacco uses will produce less saliva which is a body’s natural fighting agent against acid reflux.

Weight gain can intensify acid reflux. The pressure on the stomach becomes more than the stomach can bear. This in turn causes the acid to back up from the stomach into the throat. Watching your weight by eating healthy can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

Acid reflux symptoms can be felt at anytime during the day but they are usually more prominent at night or while lying flat. When lying flat it relaxes the stomach and allows the acid to move freely. Try elevating the head of the bed or use extra pillows to help you lay more at an angle. After eating wait a couple of hours before lying flat to be sure your meal has digested and no acid remains in the stomach.

If you feel you are suffering from acid reflux and have any of the above symptoms see your health care professional. They can make the diagnosis and help you in your treatment. Search out other types of treatments and lifestyle changes that can be of help in the fight again acid reflux.


Freezer Cooking Made Simple
Share a Recipe

Got a recipe that you love? Why not let others love it too?

Search This Site
 
Recipe Categories
Appetizer - 166
Bread - 99
Breakfast - 138
Candy - 16
Cookies - 45
Crock Pot - 451
Dessert - 322
Drink - 60
Main Course - 708
Muffins - 22
Pressure Cooker - 3
Salad - 325
Sandwich - 113
Sauce - 68
Side Dish - 335
Smoothie - 75
Snack - 194
Soup - 176
Video - 48
 
More Resources

Other Sites you May Enjoy:

Start your own Food Business

Food Direct Sales Home Business Opportunities

Kitchen Organization

What Can I Make with This Food?

Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Beauty Recipes

Diet Plans

Copyright © FreeQuickRecipes.com. All rights reserved.

Contact Us | Easy Free Recipes