Chronic heartburn sometimes referred to as acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is reckoned to impact some fifteen million Americans every year. Symptoms of heartburn acid reflux vary from one individual to the next but it is often characterized by a burning feeling in the chest and an occasionally bitter taste in the mouth. Acid reflux quite frequently strikes in the middle of the night causing you to wake up with a sharp burning feeling in the throat and across the chest. Many people have mistaken the symptoms of GERD with that of a heart attack since the feeling is very similar. Although it has nothing to do with the heart, the name heartburn emanated from the burning feeling that felt the same as that of a heart attack. Nighttime acid reflux can also cause coughing fits along with a bitter morning mouth and a sore throat.
As far as treatments for acid reflux go, the main route requires a change in everyday habits. One of the largest causes of acid reflux has been attributed to overeating and the type of foods eaten. Eating too much in a single sitting causes the stomach to stretch while the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to a certain degree causing some of the stomach contents to ooze back up into the oesophagus. The answer to this malady is to consume a number of smaller meals spread over the day rather than consuming three larger meals or one enormous evening meal. Doing so will allow the digestive system to do its job more effectively instead of having to deal with too much all in one go.
There are Many basic foods that cause acid reflux more than others do and to that end, chronic sufferers should make a point to follow a good acid reflux disease diet. Oily, greasy food can be a big problem, since the stomach needs to produce more acid to break down these substances. Some of that extra acid winds up coming back into the esophagus. Less apparent perpetrators include tea, coffee and some other drinks that have caffeine in them. Spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, icecream, chocolate and red wine should also be avoided since they can all aggravate heartburn acid reflux.
The time of day and post-eating rituals, have a significant impact on heartburn and acid reflux. Since you are probably standing or sitting upright during the daytime, gravity is your friend and acts as a barrier against acid reflux. Nevertheless, when you lie down at night after consuming a meal, you no longer have that gravity barrier working for you. Consequently, to prevent nighttime acid reflux attacks, it is advisable to remain comparatively upright for two or three hours after eating or going to bed. You should also avoid lifting and bending immediately after consuming a big meal and avoid wearing tight clothing that might worsen symptoms.
The good news is that people with GERD symptoms can find quick, nonprescription relief. For the occasional sufferer, Tums, Alkaseltzer and Maalox can all counteract stomach acid quickly and effectively. Likewise, Histamine 2-Receptor Antagonists like Pepcid or Zantac can be effective, longer lasting medications that fight acid reflux. Nevertheless, folks with chronic heartburn will need something stronger such as Prilosec or Nexium Proton Pump Inhibitors that repress acid production. Reglan accelerates the digestion process and a drug like the over-the-counter Gaviscon neutralizes acid and creates a foam barrier to stop acid from seeping back up again.
Acid reflux disease can make eating feel like a chore. In public, it can be really embarrassing at the very least or it can result in gut wrenching abdominal pain and a horrible tightness in the chest. Just remember to keep some antacids handy for emergencies, avoid lying after eating and do not over indulge in greasy and spicy foods. Everything in moderation, as the saying goes.