Acid reflux, sometimes called acid indigestion, is a condition in which stomach acid flows in reverse towards the food pipe known as the esophagus. This causes a severe burning in the chest which is referred to as heartburn. Some other symptoms of acid reflux include bloating, sore throat, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and incessant hiccups. In some cases, there might be blood in the stools as well.

A more severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Estimates show that on an average, approximately 60 million citizens experience symptoms of heartburn at least once a month.

Causes of acid reflux
In spite of being known as heartburn, acid reflux does not have any connection with your heart health. The human stomach contains a substance known as hydrochloric acid. This stomach acid helps break down ingested food and protects the stomach against bacterial infections. The entrance of the stomach is marked by the presence of a ring known as the sphincter muscle. This muscle opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. However, when the muscle does not shut properly, stomach acid flows in reverse towards the esophagus.

The stomach lining is thick and resistant to the strong effects of acid. However, the delicate food pipe may get severely inflamed on contact with this acid. This refluxed acid may also contain pepsin and bile. During an episode of acid reflux, a person may taste indigested food leftovers and a sour or pungent liquid at the back of the throat. In patients with GERD, the acid content is higher than in patients with normal acid reflux.

Medical research has revealed that GERD is a lifelong condition. Therefore, its treatment is a lifelong course that involves correcting dietary habits. Moreover, certain studies have shown an interesting fact of how the body defends itself from acid reflux attacks. Most acid reflux attacks happen during the day when the patient sits upright as this ensures the acid flows quickly back to the stomach without causing much damage. In chronic cases, however, heartburn occurs at night and during this time, the acid stays in the food pipe for longer, thereby thus causing greater damage.

Factors of developing acid reflux
Acid reflux may affect anyone at any age. However, certain factors increase a person’s risk for developing acid reflux. These include:

• Obesity
• Consumption of medications such as painkillers, asthma prescriptions, antidepressants, and antihistamines
• Pregnancy
• Sleeping immediately after eating a heavy meal
• Lack of exercise
• Regular consumption of carbonated beverages
• Regular consumption of spicy foods
• Active and passive smoking
• Hiatal hernia

Of these, a hiatal hernia is a major one. It is named after the ‘hiatus’ which is an opening between the abdomen and the chest. It is a medical condition in which the stomach stretches into the chest cavity. Having this disorder has been linked to an increased risk of suffering from either GERD or acid reflux. People may also be born with a large hiatus, which causes this condition. The other causes of a hiatal hernia include strain on the abdomen during pregnancy, constant pressure for bowel moments due to constipation, and obesity.

Treatment of acid reflux
The treatment for acid reflux and GERD consists of H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), both of which decrease acid production in the body. Antacids also help suppress symptoms of indigestion, thereby providing immense relief. Some lifestyle changes include cutting down on smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, reducing the consumption of alcohol and aerated beverages, maintaining a good posture while sitting, and exercising daily.