How Acid Reflex Can be Treated

By Ashley Chapman 

Have you ever experienced a burning sensation soon after you have finished eating?  This burning sensation is commonly known as acid reflex. However, if you experience this form of pain multiple times in a week you may be suffering from a condition called GERD. Read more to find out what GERD is, common symptoms and ways to get relief.

What is GERD?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a form of mild acid reflux. This type of acid reflux can occur multiple times within a week. GERD is caused by acid in your stomach flowing back up to your mouth and can cause irritation to the lining of your esophagus.

Common Symptoms 

While symptoms may vary person to person, there are some common symptoms.

Some symptoms you may experience include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Burning sensation in chest soon after eating
• Difficulty swallowing

Causes of GERD

GERD can affect people of all ages. Although according to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, the most common age group that experiences symptoms are between 20 and 29 years old. There are various reasons why you may be experiencing GERD. Being aware that the time of day in which you eat may also have an impact.

Health reasons that may heighten your risk of experiencing GERD include:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Hiatal hernia

If you commonly experience symptoms of GERD, there are some reasons it may be worse at times. Reasons that you may be experiencing heightened symptoms may include:

• Eating spicy foods
• Eating large meals before laying down
• Eating late at night
• Drinking coffee or alcohol

Treatment 

While GERD does not have a cure, there are some options to help ease the discomfort or pain caused by this disease. It is vital to know that creating a lifestyle change around what you choose to eat will be important.

Some lifestyle changes that you may have to create include excluding spicy foods for your diet and not overeating. When it comes to eating dinner, try to eat within two to three hours before your bedtime. This will allow your food to digest completely. Smoking does irritate your esophagus, which may worsen your symptoms. Limiting or eliminating smoking completely from your lifestyle would improve the pain you experience.

There are over-the-counter medications that you can use when the pain or discomfort is bad. However, removing unnecessary foods and changing your lifestyle will eliminate the need to rely on those medications.  

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Beaverton, Ore.