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Finding Relief from a Painful Condition: Acid
Reflux Disease Treatment
Millions of people experience the intense pain of acid reflux
on a regular basis. 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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