What is Acid Reflux and How Do I fix It? (In Plain English)

What is acid reflux? 

Acid reflux is caused by contents from the stomach, which are very acidic, going up (or refluxing) into the esophagus. The most common symptoms are upper middle abdominal pain, pain or burning to the center of the chest, feeling bloated and nausea. In some people, acid reflux causes a persistent cough as well. 

What causes acid reflux? 

Most often, it is caused by too much of a certain food, or foods and substances which make the contents of the stomach more acidic and make it easier for food to get into the esophagus. Acid reflux (and ulcers) can also be caused by a stomach infection with a bacteria called H. Pylori. 

If you have new or worsening acid reflux, I highly recommend getting checked for H. Pylori. It is becoming more and more common, and many providers are not actually checking for it on a regular basis. At Paloma Primary Care, we perform the test for H. Pylori right in the office, and gets results back within 3-5 days. 

Certain substances or foods, including alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, actually reduce the ability of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (also called the LES), is a band of muscle that encircles the lowest part of the esophagus right above the stomach. The LES usually squeezes shut when you are not eating or drinking anything so that the stomach contents do not “splash” up into the esophagus.

What foods can make acid reflux worse? 

• Fatty foods, especially fried foods

• Spicy foods

• Alcohol

• Caffeine, especially coffee

• Chocolate 

• Carbonated beverages

• Peppermint

All of these foods/drinks either increase the stomach acid level or reduce the ability of the LES to fully squeeze shut. 

Some people’s acid reflux is triggered by certain foods/drinks/substances and not others. It is usually a little bit different with every person. 

What can I do to reduce my symptoms of acid reflux?

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for 60-90 minutes before lying down.

• This one helps because of basic gravity. When you are upright, the stomach contents are at the bottom of your stomach. When you are lying down, the stomach and the esophagus are at the same level (the esophagus is no longer above the stomach), so it is easier for the contents of the stomach to get into the esophagus. 

• Elevate the head of the bed when you sleep.

• Same concept as not eating or drinking right before bed.

• Do not wear really tight/restrictive clothing to the stomach/waist.

• Avoid tobacco or nicotine products, especially products that are inhaled.

• Weight loss in people who are overweight or obese.

• Having extra weight, especially weight in the mid section, increases the day-to-day pressure on and around the stomach. 

Over the counter medications for acid reflux

• There are several types of medications available over the counter for acid reflux. 

• Antacids: Pepto bismol, Tums, Alka-Seltzer

• Pepcid: also called Famatodine

• Nexium: also called omeprazole 

• These medications should only be used at the lowest dosage for no more than a few days at a time. 

• When taken on a regular basis, these medications can stop your body from absorbing important vitamins and nutrients.

• If you are experiencing frequent symptoms for a long time, it is recommended that you get an evaluation by a medical provider. Frequent or severe symptoms may be a sign of something more serious, like ulcers, infection, or even cancer. 

When should you see a medical provider? 

• When your symptoms are frequent or severe, especially if they occur every day for 10-14 days. 

• When you start experiencing symptoms in your throat, such as burning or pain.

• This is usually a later sign of severe reflux (the contents are getting all the way up to your throat). 

• If you have any difficulty swallowing.

• Same as the throat symptoms, this is usually a sign of severe reflux.

• If your pain is severe or causes severe or frequent nausea or vomiting.

• If you have a fever, body aches, or feel ill along with the symptoms of acid reflux.

• These are all signs of a possible infection.

• If you see blood in your stool.

If you have any of the above symptoms and would like to make an appointment at Paloma Primary care, feel free to call us at (512) 772-2929 or make an appointment online right here on our website. We would be happy to discuss and carry out testing and treatment for symptoms from or related to acid reflux.