What's Acid Reflux?

What's Acid Reflux?

Daniel Cohn was a college student in Lawrence, Kan. (pop. 80,098), when the problem started. He thought it was just indigestion. “I was eating antacids and more antacids,” says Cohn, 27, who now lives in Chicago. “I tried medication and it helped for a while but then it came back.”

Cohn’s burning and discomfort worsened. That’s when he learned from his doctor that he had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux disease.

About 7 million Americans have GERD. “Most have mild or occasional symptoms of GERD, but those who have it more than two days a week can be helped,” says Dr. G. Richard Locke, who specializes in disorders of the stomach and digestive track at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

GERD happens when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, the tube through which food moves from the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms include an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty or pain when swallowing and chest pain. While almost anyone can have GERD, it’s more common in people over 40.

The causes of GERD are unclear. According to Dr. Locke, it’s common in some families, suggesting a genetic link. Even so, lifestyle plays a major part, he says, explaining that smoking increases stomach acid and being overweight, wearing tight clothing or eating heavy meals all seem to factor into stomach acid moving into the esophagus. Sometimes surgery is the answer, but for most people, lifestyle changes can help.

If GERD occurs frequently, talk with your doctor. In rare cases, if untreated, it can lead to cancer of the esophagus. In the meantime, try these suggestions to reduce GERD discomfort:

• Keep your weight in a normal range.

• Avoid eating large meals, especially right before bedtime.

• Don’t smoke.

• Chew gum occasionally. The increased saliva it produces helps wash stomach acids out of the esophagus.

• Sleep with the head of your bed elevated 4 to 6 inches. Doing so allows gravity to keep stomach acids where they belong.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce abdominal pressure.

• Remain sitting up for at least one hour after meals.

• Talk with your doctor to learn if any medications you take may be contributing to GERD.

For more information, log on to www.aboutgerd.org.

Mardy Fones is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tenn.

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