Esophageal Reflux Treatment
Esophageal reflux is another term
for
gastroesophageal reflux
Esophageal reflux is another term for gastroesophageal
reflux disease, better known as acid reflux disease. This
irritating and sometimes extremely painful condition is caused
when gastric contents on the stomach are allowed to entering
the esophagus.
Since the lining of the esophagus is not meant to handle the
caustic nature of stomach acid, it is quick to respond to the
acidic intrusion in the form of symptoms ranging from mild
heartburn to extreme burning or even ripping sensations of
pain.
There are many foods that have a tendency to trigger
esophageal reflux. Chocolate and dairy products are among some
of the most common exacerbating elements of acid reflux
triggers. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, onions,
cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli are also known
culprits.
Foods that are very spicy or high in fat can also cause
heartburn, though these are more likely to be contributing
factors for those who do not normally consume these types of
food.
Try reducing the intake of these types of food. Also, many
people can eat some of these foods early in the day, but have
trouble with increased acid production when they’re eaten
closer to bed time.
There are also other factors that may play a part in your
esophageal reflux condition, such as hiatus hernia,
hypercalcemia or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The later two
diseases cause an increased production of gastrin, which leads
to increased acidity in the stomach.
With hiatus hernia cases, esophageal reflux is caused or
exacerbated by motility and mechanical factors. There are
structural abnormalities that allow gastric contents to spill
out of the stomach and irritate the esophagus.
Though there are other factors that contribute to esophageal
reflux, modifying eating habits can have a positive effect on
your struggle with heartburn and even the underlying issues
related to acid reflux disease. Chocolate and peppermint,
onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are
known acid reflux stimulants. Milk and dairy items should be
avoided at bedtime. Eating smaller meals, elevating the head of
your bed and drinking more water have all been shown to have
good effects for coping with and managing acid reflux and
related conditions.
Many people have had success alleviating their acid reflux
by taking note of what they eat. Over time they begin to notice
patterns to their heartburn and the foods that were eaten. Not
all people are able to get rid of heartburn once and for all,
yet most people realized a significant improvement. The best
way to find out if it will work for you is to give it a
try.
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