Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux Disease, is a condition caused by foods or liquids in the stomach flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. This results in painful heartburn as well as other symptoms.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux is when foods and liquids pass from the stomach back into the esophagus. A ring of muscles stops foods from leaving the stomach, but sometimes these muscles do not close all the way which then allows for fluids to escape. The result is often severe heartburn, or Acid Reflux.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux can be caused by a number of things including but not limited to obesity, smoking, and even alcohol consumption. Pregnancy can also cause acid reflux, but often the condition goes away after the birth of the baby.
There are also medications that can cause Acid Reflux. These can include:
- Beta-Blockers
- Asthma Medications
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Progestin
- Dedatives
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Dopamine-active Drugs
There are also many foods that can cause heartburn and acid reflux for many individuals. If you experience regular acid reflux, you may want to consider staying away from foods such as:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated and carbonated beverages
- Chocolate
- Tomatoes & tomato based sauces
- Spicy, fatty, and oily foods
- High fat dairy products
What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
There are a number of symptoms that can be brought on by Acid Reflux. The most common is Heartburn, but others include:
- The feeling of trapped food inside your chest
- Nausea, especially after eating
- Coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hiccups
- Regurgitation
- Sore Throat
Acid Reflux Treatment
There are a number of options for the treatment of Acid Reflux. Read what acid reflux treatment options might work well for you!
