What is acid reflux disease?
This condition is caused by the reflux of secretions from the stomach or upper small intestine. These secretions, which may include acids, weak acids, alkalis, and gases, flow back into the esophagus. This can result in inflammation of the esophagus lining or may not, but it must significantly alter quality of life.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
- Burning sensation in the epigastric region that spreads to the chest, often worsening after heavy meals, bending forward, lifting heavy objects, and lying on your back.
- Acid reflux (sour or bitter taste) occurs when acid, which is a sour or bitter-tasting fluid, flows back into the mouth. In severe cases, difficulty swallowing may occur.
- Ear, nose, and throat symptoms: If acid reflux rises higher into the esophagus, it may cause chronic sore throat or chronic hoarseness.
- Respiratory symptoms often present as asthma or chronic cough.
- Cardiac symptoms: Presenting with chest tightness not caused by heart disease.
- Oral symptoms may include tooth decay or bad breath.
However, these symptoms require further treatment and investigation by a specialist in that field. If no clear cause explained by such a disease can be found, then extraesophageal syndromes caused by acid reflux should be considered.
Risk factors for acid reflux.
Depending on several factors that affect the functioning of the digestive system and lifestyle habits, these factors can increase the likelihood of developing acid reflux. These include:
- Eating large quantities of food at one meal.
- Eating foods high in fat, fried foods, or spicy foods.
- Drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Drinking alcohol regularly
- Eating close to bedtime makes it easier for stomach acid to reflux.
Being overweight can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.
Smoking can weaken the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate the production of stomach acid, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.
Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy can weaken the esophageal sphincter muscle, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
As we age, the esophageal sphincter muscle may weaken, making acid reflux more frequent than in younger people.
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some types of medication for high blood pressure, and medications for depression, may increase the risk of acid reflux.
Some people may be at increased risk of developing acid reflux due to a family history of the condition.
How is acid reflux diagnosed?
Doctors can usually diagnose acid reflux disease through a medical history and physical examination, especially if the patient presents with symptoms such as heartburn or sour belching. Initial treatment with medication may not require further specialized investigations. However, if symptoms do not improve with initial medication, additional tests are necessary. These include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, barium swallow, esophageal motility tests, and esophageal pH monitoring.
Warning signs of acid reflux disease.
If left untreated for a long period, acid reflux disease can lead to complications, including:
Warning signs that require an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with acid reflux disease include difficulty swallowing, sore throat when swallowing, severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding such as black stools, vomiting blood, or bloody stools, and unexplained weight loss.
