Ask an Expert – Acid Reflux

Question: What is acid reflux?

Dr. Jian Ang, Gastroenterologist, provides an answer…

Acid reflux is a common occurrence that affects most everyone. Fifteen percent of people suffer from heartburn and/or reflux at least once a week. It occurs when acid that is created in the stomach to break down food backs up into the esophagus. If this happens too frequently, it can cause problems with the esophagus or even lead to lung infections.

Similarly, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience bothersome symptoms as a result of reflux. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, vomiting, and difficulty or pain when swallowing. The reflux of stomach acid can also adversely affect the vocal cords causing hoarseness, or even be inhaled into the lungs, known as aspiration.

How does acid reflux happen?

Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal muscle is weak or relaxes due to a bloated stomach, allowing liquids to wash back into the esophagus. Inevitably this happens to most everyone from time to time. Most of these episodes occur shortly after meals, especially large ones, are brief, and do not cause symptoms.

When should you seek help?

Normally the symptoms of acid reflux are mild and disappear quickly; however, the several symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, which include difficulty or pain when swallowing (feeling like food is “stuck” in your esophagus or back of your throat), unexplained weight loss, chest pain, choking, and bleeding (either vomiting blood or dark-colored stool).

What is the solution?

The management of mild acid reflux includes a variety of strategies: weight reduction, sleeping in a bed elevated by six inches at the head, avoiding acid reflux inducing foods (fatty foods, coffee, chocolate, and alcohol), avoiding large and/or late meals, and avoiding wearing tight clothing around your midsection.

What about children with acid reflux?

Children with certain health issues may have a higher risk of reflux. These include children with Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other problems with the brain or spinal cord. Children who are overweight are also more likely to suffer from reflux. If you think your child may have acid reflux, seek advice from his or her Pediatrician or nurse.