In chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), excessive acid in the stomach flows back to the esophagus, which irritates it in return. Getting it occasionally is normal, but in GERD, people experience it every time they eat.
About 20% of the global population is estimated to suffer from chronic acid reflux. It is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition in the USA, affecting approximately 20% of Americans. The most numerous group of people with GERD are women, accounting for 60% of cases.
Continue reading the article to learn more facts about chronic acid reflux and find answers to the following questions:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic acid reflux, is where acid reflux occurs at least twice a week, persisting for several weeks. It's a common disease in Western countries due to their dietary and lifestyle habits, which are more prevalent than in other countries. Although many people experience indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain, the severe equivalent of these health issues is often observed in developed countries, where obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating fatty, fried foods are more common dietary and lifestyle habits.
Due to several factors, a typical, occasional heartburn may develop into GERD, a chronic condition characterized by more severe symptoms and a risk of suffering from complications.
Acid reflux occurs when the esophagus is irritated and damaged by hydrochloric acid – a strong acid present in the stomach that helps break down food and kill pathogens. The stomach is protected by this acid thanks to its lining, adapted to withstand a highly acidic environment. However, this is not the case for the esophagus, an organ that connects the pharynx to the stomach. If acidic stomach contents flow back to it, a condition described as acidic reflux may occur.
The common cause of chronic acid reflux is hiatal hernia
, a stomach abnormality in which the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through the large muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. However, there are other reasons why acid reflux may occur, not necessarily associated with organ abnormalities. For most people, these are related to their lifestyle and diet and are more accurately described as ‘risk factors.'
Risk factors of chronic acid reflux include lifestyle habits, taking specific medicines, and diseases. GERD can affect anyone regardless of their age and state of health. Nevertheless, the risk increases due to the following factors:
Certain food and liquids have also been linked to GERD. If your dietary habits consist of the following, you are at risk of triggering acid reflux:
It is also possible to aggravate acid reflux by certain eating habits and behaviors. For example, eating huge meals or lying down within a few hours after eating can trigger GERD symptoms for some people.
Chronic acid reflux can cause many symptoms, which are different for everyone. Symptoms observed most often are heartburn (a burning feeling located in the middle of the chest) and an unpleasant taste at the back of the mouth.
All symptoms that are likely to occur in chronic acid reflux are as follows:
Less common symptoms of GERD include:
It is also worth noting that GERD has a slightly different course in infants. If you have a baby, the below symptoms may indicate acid reflux:
Certain symptoms of GERD may get worse despite the first treatment attempts, and new ones may also appear. The below health issues are referred to as alarm symptoms and require medical attention:
If GERD is not treated, treated inadequately, or poorly managed at home, it can result in serious health complications. Typically, chronic acid reflux does not lead to additional issues, but a small percentage of people are affected by one of the following conditions:
Strictures: occurs when the stomach acid causes significant damage, leading to scar and problems with swallowing
Esophagitis: occurs when the lining of the esophagus gets inflamed, leading to bleeding, irritation, and sometimes ulceration
Barrett’s esophagus: prolonged exposure to stomach acid may also lead to changes in tissues and cells of the esophagus lining
Other, less common complications, can also occur:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis encompasses reviewing your medical history, physical examination, and determining if other condition causes the symptoms. If a doctor has no reason to believe you developed GERD complications or are affected by a disease mimicking chronic acid reflux symptoms, they may recommend treatment, including medications, diet, and lifestyle changes. Otherwise, they may want to rule out other possibilities and order the following tests and procedures:
The most effective way to get rid of acid reflux is to follow some dos and don'ts rules. These include limiting the use of certain substances, avoiding eating trigger foods, and lifestyle changes. The table below consists of the best habits to treat GERD recommended by healthcare professionals:
| To dos | Drink less caffeinated beverages Limit alcohol intake Drink less carbonated beverages Avoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke Eat smaller meals more often Introduce low-carb foods to your diet Keep moderate weight Stay physically active |
| To don'ts | Don't sleep on your right side Don't eat before going to bed Don't eat raw onions Don't eat large meals in the evening Don't wear clothes that are tight in the abdomen area |
, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, and foaming agents. Make sure to follow your doctor's advice and only combine medications after discussing it first during a visit.The best foods to eat while suffering from acid reflux include watery foods, high-fiber foods, and alkaline foods. Such a diet should be no short of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. An anti-GERD diet aids the digestive process and keeps the food in the stomach longer, preventing stomach acid from flowing back to the esophagus. Take a look at the below table to learn what kind of foods you should consider adding to your diet:
| Food Group | Recommended foods |
| Watery foods | watermelon, lettuce, herbal tea, broth-based soups, cucumber, celery |
| High-fiber foods | whole grains (brown rice, couscous, oatmeal), green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus), root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes) |
| Alkaline foods | bananas, nuts, fennels, cauliflower, melons |
| Home remedies | ginger, apple cider vinegar, milk, lemon water, aloe vera juice, peppermint, pickle juice, baking soda |
If medications and lifestyle changes don't help get rid of acid reflux, a doctor may recommend surgery. This last resort applies to a small percentage of people whose acid reflux symptoms don't improve despite treatment and keep interfering in their everyday lives. Two surgical methods are available to treat GERD once and for all.
The first procedure involves placing a device known as LINX outside the lower end of the esophagus. The device prevents acidic stomach contents from returning to the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). Although the procedure is approved, it is not recommended for people allergic to certain metals.
The second procedure, a fundoplication, can also prevent acid reflux. It involves creating an artificial valve by wrapping the upper stomach around the lower part of the esophagus. This method is used to treat hiatal hernia but can also resolve gastroesophageal reflux disease that can't be treated with medications.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), known as chronic acid reflux, involves the frequent backflow of stomach content into the esophagus, leading to persistent irritation. The condition affects around 20% of the global population.
Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, physical exams, and tests such as endoscopy, impedance monitoring, pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry.
Dietary choices play a significant role, with an anti-GERD diet focusing on watery and high-fiber foods, alkaline foods, and avoiding trigger foods. Home remedies like ginger, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera juice can also offer relief.
Treatment strategies encompass lifestyle adjustments like weight management, avoiding trigger foods, raising the head of the bed, and refraining from eating before bedtime. Medications like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are commonly prescribed. Surgery options, such as LINX or fundoplication, are considered a last resort for severe cases.
Table of Contents
GERD is a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. If you feel heartburn and a burning… read more »
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. Most often, it is caused by acid reflux. What are its symptoms? How is… read more »
A hiatal hernia is a condition where the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest. Who is at… read more »
Cough is a natural, necessary reflex that protects the body from factors such as germs and pollens. When it is… read more »
Heartburn is a common condition but it can also be a symptom of illness. Read the article and find out… read more »
Achalasia is a motor disease of the esophagus. What are the causes and symptoms of achalasia? You can find this… read more »
Post nasal drip refers to an accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat, which results in a cough,… read more »
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a condition that can cause uncharacteristic symptoms. Treatment is important as the disease can be fatal. Learn… read more »
Indigestion is a set of symptoms related to problems with the digestive system. What causes this condition? What is the… read more »
