Acid reflux is caused by the acid in stomach backing up to the esophagus. Food travels from mouth to stomach by esophagus. Acid reflux causes heartburn (burning feeling in the upper abdomen or chest), trouble swallowing, feeling of acid or digested food in the mouth, cough, nausea, vomiting, throat pain or voice changes.
Dietary changes to avoid foods causing acid reflux, weight loss for overweight people, smoking cessation, avoiding late meals and tight clothing helps to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Avoidance of medications like ibuprofen is beneficial too.
Treatment involves over-de-counter anti acids, antihistamines (decrease stomach acid release), proton pump inhibitors (medications decreasing stomach acid production).
If symptoms are severe, cannot be controlled or prolonged, further evaluation by physician should be done.
Other worrisome symptoms are swallowing problems, chest pain, choking, vomiting blood or coffee grounds like material, unintentional weight loss, dark, red or tarry bowel movements.
