Acid Reflux: What it Is and What to do About It
Most of us will experience the painful symptoms of heartburn at one time or another. The familiar burning and sour taste in the mouth will most often follow a large meal, and can last for a number of hours if it is not treated. The usual course of action is to grab an antacid or two and get those annoying symptoms under control. Since the condition only flares up once in a blue moon and is easily controlled with over the counter medication, there is no cause for alarm. However, for some people, this condition begins to occur much more frequently and medications picked up at the grocery store are no longer effective at keeping those painful symptoms at bay. These regular bouts are often a sign of acid reflux disease and may warrant an appointment with your doctor.
Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acids and sometimes bile will back up the digestive tract into the esophagus. It can do so when the muscular ring at the base of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, no longer closes tightly to keep these substances down where they belong. This can be due to particular types of food, large portions of food, alcohol, medications, smoking or lying down right after eating. The lining of the esophagus is not designed to withstand regular exposure to these powerful acids. In addition to the painful symptoms, the esophageal lining can become damaged. If this occurs, acid reflux is often diagnosed, and the best treatment is to keep the acid at bay and allow the lining time to heal on its own.
What your Doctor can Do
If you experience heartburn multiple times each week, it is a good idea to see your doctor about the condition. He can diagnose your condition and determine whether damage has been done to the esophageal lining. Your doctor may prescribe medication to either treat the acid reflux during a flare up or that you can take daily to prevent the bouts from occurring at all. Sometimes the easiest way to avoid acid reflux symptoms is to stay away from the foods or behaviors that can lead to a flare up. For others, over the counter or prescription medication may be necessary to control the symptoms and allow for the esophageal lining to heal.
Acid reflux disease is a potentially serious problem that should be dealt with by your doctor to ensure that you esophagus is properly protected and the condition is treated sufficiently. If you are experiencing heartburn multiple times a week, talk to your doctor about the treatment options available.
