Are you experiencing symptoms like heartburn, stomach cramps, pain, and vomiting? This could be due to acid reflux. But don't worry, we'll help you understand the symptoms and treatment of acid reflux, as well as important expert-recommended tips to prevent it.
A guide to managing acid reflux: causes, symptoms, effective treatments, and prevention tips (Image credit: Freepik)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Meghraj Ingle, Director and Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, explains, “Acid reflux is seen when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus and causes symptoms like heartburn. Hence, acid reflux is known as gastric reflux. It is a common problem seen in many people. Many people are prone to these problems due to factors like stress, unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, lying down after meals, eating spicy foods, smoking and drinking alcohol, obesity, excessive caffeine intake, pregnancy etc.”
Symptoms:
According to Dr. Meghraj Ingle, symptoms of acid reflux include nausea, chest pain, sore throat, burning sensation, headache, sour taste in the mouth, stomach cramps or pain, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Treatment:
Dr Meghraj Ingle encourages lifestyle changes such as incorporating mindful eating habits into your daily routine and advises, “Savour every bite, chew your food properly and recognise your hunger cues. This will help you pay attention to your food intake, improve digestion, develop a deeper connection with food and reduce overeating. Remember, overeating can cause acid reflux. Probiotics can also help reduce acid reflux. Probiotics and fermented foods restore digestive balance and improve gut flora.”
He advised, “Choose yogurt, kimchi and kombucha to keep your stomach working smoothly. Stress is also a cause of acid reflux. So, reducing stress through yoga and meditation will help in preventing acid reflux. Exercise daily, avoid acidic foods like onions, tomatoes and spicy foods, eat smaller meals, avoid wearing tight clothes, quit smoking and drinking alcohol and don't go to sleep immediately after eating. If you follow these important tips, you will definitely be able to manage your acid reflux.”
Dr. Meghraj Ingle maintained that acid reflux sufferers should only take medicines prescribed by a doctor. He recommended, “I would recommend antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to patients. Self-medication is never a good idea. I would also recommend histamine-2 (H2) blockers to patients. The surgical treatment for acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is fundoplication, which wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to stop the acid leaking out. This is a promising solution that addresses the root cause of acid reflux.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
