Understanding acid reflux: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This condition is often recognised by a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn, but it can also cause other symptoms like regurgitation, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent cough. Acid reflux affects millions of people and can be triggered by various lifestyle and dietary factors.

Causes

The root cause of acid reflux is typically a weakened or dysfunctional lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that controls the flow of food from the oesophagus to the stomach. When the LES doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can escape, irritating the lining of the oesophagus.

Common triggers include certain foods and drinks—such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods, and citrus—along with lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and high-stress levels. Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating can also increase the likelihood of acid reflux.

Management

For those dealing with occasional acid reflux, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments can often provide relief. Adjustments like eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and not lying down immediately after meals can help manage symptoms.

Over-the-counter antacids, like Tums or Rolaids, can neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more effective in reducing acid production and are available for frequent sufferers.

In cases where lifestyle changes and medications do not offer adequate relief, medical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options, such as fundoplication, involve reinforcing the LES to prevent acid from escaping the stomach. Another treatment, the LINX device, involves placing a magnetic ring around the LES to help it stay closed.

If left untreated, chronic acid reflux can lead to complications like oesophagitis, oesophageal stricture, and even Barrett's oesophagus, a condition that can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. For this reason, individuals who experience frequent or severe symptoms should consult a healthcare provider to develop a management plan. With the right approach, most people with acid reflux can successfully manage their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life.