What to do About Stomach Acid Reflux

What is Reflux?

If you have stomach acid reflux – also known as gastroesophageal reflux – it means that acid is backing up from your stomach into your esophagus. Reflux is most likely to be a problem during sleep or whenever you are lying down. However, it can also happen in other situations, such as while you are straining or bending over.

How does it affect my health?

A certain amount of reflux is normal, but too much can cause burning in the chest, a bitter taste in the mouth, nighttime cough, or morning hoarseness. When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it may cause irritation and trigger asthma. So if you have asthma, reflux may make your symptoms worse, especially at night or early in the morning.

What can I do about reflux?

• CHANGE YOUR HABITS
Since the likelihood of reflux is increased after a meal, it is important to avoid eating or drinking for 3 hours before going to bed, except for taking any medicine prescribed by your doctor. Remember, also, to avoid lying down after any meal.

• CHANGE YOUR BEDROOM
In addition, elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches. Do this by putting wooden blocks or bricks under the head of the bed, not by propping yourself up with pillows. Although elevating the head of your bead will not prevent reflux from occurring, it will reduce the damage caused by reflux by letting the acid drain back into your stomach.

• CHANGE YOUR DIET
Your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that are known to make stomach acid reflux worse. These include fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated drinks (such as coffee, tea, and sodas), peppermint and spearmint, and spices. If you are overweight, dieting may also help.

To avoid unnecessary pressure around your abdomen, avoid tight clothing, straining, and prolonged bending. It is also important to avoid constipation.

Will I need medicine or special tests?
Often, the recommendations given above are all that are needed to successfully control stomach acid reflux. However, your doctor may also prescribe an antacid or other medicines to help relieve your symptoms.

He or she may want to order special tests to pinpoint the cause of your reflux. The results of these tests may lead to changes in your treatment plan.

If reflux is a major problem for you, and if lifestyle changes and medicines do not control it, surgery may be needed.

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