Acid Reflux and GERD: Tips for a Happy Holiday Season
What is Acid Reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux is a condition in which acid from the stomach backflows up into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the name of a chronic condition that causes frequent symptoms or damage to the esophagus as a result of acid reflux. The hallmark symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
In addition to heartburn and regurgitation, chronic acid reflux over time can cause symptoms such as a burning or bitter taste in the mouth, sore throat, chronic cough, hoarse voice, ear pain, asthma-like symptoms or even non-cardiac chest pain. One or more of these symptoms may be present. Acid reflux can also occur silently, with no symptoms at all. The symptoms vary by person.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Usually, stomach acid stays in the stomach thanks to gravity and a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, which tightly seals off the esophagus. Acid reflux can occur as the result of a number of different underlying causes and contributing factors. These can include dietary, motility, neurologic, medication or structural anatomical issues, such as a hiatal hernia, that can prevent the valve from working properly, allowing stomach acid to escape back into the esophagus.
Common Triggers for Acid Reflux
Different foods and beverages can trigger acid reflux for different people. Examples of common dietary triggers for acid reflux are caffeine, tomato-based products, fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint and alcohol. Other triggers can include eating a large meal or lying down after a meal.
Diagnosis of GERD
GERD is typically diagnosed through a clinical exam and medical history, done with your doctor. In many cases, your doctor may prescribe a trial of a histamine-2 receptor antagonist or proton pump inhibitor medication to reduce the acid and determine whether this alleviates symptoms.
Treatment of GERD
It’s important to see your health professional for frequent or persistent symptoms, for a full evaluation, accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment can include modifying your diet to cut out foods that trigger symptoms, eating smaller meals, stopping meals at least two to three hours before bedtime and potentially sleeping on a wedge pillow or other incline to elevate the head and neck area.
Dietary Modifications for Acid Reflux
First, we recommend you keep a diary to track the foods and beverages you consume with the symptoms you have. Because these dietary triggers can vary by individual, the first step is to identify the trigger foods for you. In this way, you can begin to limit or even eliminate these triggers from your diet.
Is Acid Reflux a Symptom of a More Serious Condition?
For some people, acid reflux may stem from other underlying motility, neurologic or structural anatomical issues, which your gastroenterologist can help diagnose. Acid reflux can cause a variety of symptoms and exacerbate other conditions, such as lung disease or ear/nose/throat conditions.
Holiday Tips for Managing Acid Reflux
- Portion control is essential to try to help us feel better when we eat great food over the holidays. Eating smaller portions, giving a little bit more time to digest between meals and getting up and walking will help empty the stomach and make us feel better overall.
- Try to make those portions just a little bit smaller, allow time between the portions and not eat so late. Give time for the stomach to empty so when we do get in bed, we don’t have a full stomach pushing up and allowing acid to backflow and cause damage to the esophagus.
Conclusion
Acid reflux and GERD are common conditions that can cause discomfort and pain during the holiday season. By understanding the causes and symptoms of acid reflux and GERD, and making some simple dietary modifications, you can reduce your symptoms and enjoy the holidays without discomfort.
FAQs
Q: What are some common triggers for acid reflux?
A: Common dietary triggers for acid reflux include caffeine, tomato-based products, fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint and alcohol.
Q: How can I manage my acid reflux during the holidays?
A: Try to eat smaller portions, give time between meals, and get up and walk to help empty your stomach. Avoid eating too late and lying down after eating.
Q: Can acid reflux be a symptom of a more serious condition?
A: Yes, acid reflux can be a symptom of other underlying conditions, such as motility, neurologic or structural anatomical issues.
Q: What are the potential complications of untreated GERD?
A: Untreated GERD can cause esophagitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. It can also progress to Barrett’s esophagus and, in a small percentage of cases, esophageal cancer.
