What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition that affects millions of people around the world.
Also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), it occurs when the acid in the stomach escapes and reaches the pipe containing food (esophagus) or further into the mouth.
It is characterised by a burning sensation in the chest, hence the sensation is frequently called “heartburn”, even though it has nothing to do with the heart.
Although acid reflux is often referred to as heartburn, the term is also used to describe frequent heartburn or GERD.
How Does The Acid Escape The Stomach?
In some cases, there is something called a hiatal hernia which is when a part of the stomach is actually pushed through the diaphragm.
However, in other cases, there is no root cause. All that is known is that the lower esophageal sphincter (which keeps the acid in the stomach and stops it leaving) can malfunction and this is what causes the acid to escape.
What Are The Effects Of Acid Reflux?
Aside from temporary discomfort, prolonged acid reflux or GERD can also lead to damage of the esophagus. If left untreated, a condition called “Barrett’s Esophagus” can result which is a form of irreversible damage.
Barrett’s itself is not harmful but approximately 2% of its sufferers will go on to develop esophageal cancer. Unfortunately, the survival rate for esophageal cancer is extremely low.
What Treatments Are Available For Acid Reflux?
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for acid reflux. The most popular are a family of drugs known as PPIs or proton pump inhibitors.
These are intelligent drugs that apply a “switch” to acid production in the stomach and turn it off. Surprisingly, the human body can cope very well without any stomach acid.
However, there are some side effects with PPIs although very limited, such as some loss of bone density. Compared to the risk of complications from untreated GERD, the risk to reward ratio is considered favourable, nonetheless.