Two Common Acid Reflux Disease Treatments
Millions of people who experience the intense pain of acid reflux on
a regular basis are seeking acid reflux disease treatments. Acid reflux
disease is thought to result from a problem with the esophageal
sphincter muscle, which closes the opening between the stomach and the
esophagus. When the muscle does not work correctly, stomach contents
(including strong stomach acids necessary for digestion) escape the
stomach and move into the esophagus. This results in burning and pain,
and if left untreated can even cause tissue damage to the esophagus. So
what should those suffering from acid reflux do?
Medical Acid Reflux Disease Treatments
Perhaps the most important piece of advice for someone suffering from
acid reflux symptoms is to visit a doctor. Doctors can pinpoint the
cause of acid reflux and can also make sure the acid reflux disease
treatment used is appropriate. A wide variety of over the counter and
prescription drugs are available, but some doctors recommend lifestyle
changes first. Only if these lifestyle changes are ineffective are drugs
offered as an acid reflux disease treatment. The good news is that these
drugs are highly effective for many people suffering from acid reflux.
In a very slim minority of cases, when both medical treatments and
lifestyle changes fail, surgery may be a last-ditch effort.
Lifestyle Changes
Many doctors attribute the increase in acid reflux to the modern diet
filled with simple carbohydrates, high fat goods and relatively low
levels of physical activity. Additionally, being overweight makes it
more likely you will suffer from acid reflux; it’s likely that increase
pressure on the stomach (caused by carrying excess weight in the
midsection) make it difficult for the esophageal sphincter to function
appropriately. Thus, one acid reflux disease treatment that is often
suggested is to follow a low fat diet. Additionally, many doctors
suggest completely eliminating things that can aggravate acid reflux
disease including carbonated beverages, high acid fruits and vegetables
and caffeine.
Many who suffer from acid reflux disease find the symptoms worsen at
night. This likely occurs because lying flat makes it easier for stomach
acid to escape the stomach, there is no force of gravity to keep
contents inside the stomach when lying in the prone position. An
additional acid reflux treatment that relates to ones lifestyle, then,
is to sleep on an incline. Rising a bed just a few inches can be an
effective acid reflux disease treatment. For those who sleep with
someone who doesn’t want to incline, or whose bed prohibits rising only
one end, wedge pillows, which simply elevate the head and shoulders can
also be purchased.
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