Identify the Symptoms of Acid Reflux and How to Overcome Them

Have you ever felt a burning sensation in your chest after a few times of late eating? This could be one of the symptoms of acid reflux. Gastric acid is a liquid produced by the stomach to help digest food. Well, to avoid unwanted things, it is necessary to know some of the symptoms.

The LES muscle, or lower esophageal sphincter, is a muscle located at the end of the esophagus. This muscle functions to close the esophagus after food goes down to the stomach. In GERD sufferers, the LES muscle weakens or is damaged, so it cannot close properly. As a result, the contents of the stomach, including gastric acid, can rise back into the esophagus.

The LES muscle, or lower esophageal sphincter, is a muscle located at the end of the esophagus. This muscle functions to close the esophagus after food goes down to the stomach. In GERD sufferers, the LES muscle weakens or is damaged, so it cannot close properly. As a result, the contents of the stomach, including gastric acid, can rise back into the esophagus.

The most common symptom is heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest. This symptom usually appears after eating, lying down, or lifting heavy objects. In addition to heartburn, other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bad breath
• Chest pain

The main cause of gastric acid disease is the weakening of the LES, which functions as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This muscle should contract to close the passage to the esophagus after food enters the stomach.

If you experience symptoms of gastric acid reflux, you can overcome them by adjusting to the severity of the symptoms. As a first step, there are several things you can do to help overcome them.

1. Standing Upright Position

   When gastric acid rises, an upright body position can help reduce pressure on the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Reduced pressure can help prevent gastric acid from rising back into the esophagus.

2. Eating Small Portions but Often

   Gastric acid reflux can be caused by various factors, one of which is consuming large portions of food. Therefore, gastric acid sufferers are advised to eat in small portions but often.

3. Loosening Tight Clothing

   When gastric acid rises, pressure on the stomach can cause gastric acid to rise back into the esophagus. Therefore, it is advisable to loosen tight clothing, such as loosening your belt or unbuttoning your pants.

4. Drinking Sufficient Water

   When you experience symptoms of gastric acid reflux, you may experience nausea and vomiting. Dehydration or lack of fluids can worsen this condition. Therefore, gastric acid sufferers are advised to drink enough water, because water can help neutralize the acidity in the stomach. This can help relieve symptoms of gastric acid such as nausea and vomiting.

5. Consuming Honey

   Honey is one of the natural ingredients that can help overcome gastric acid reflux. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the lining of the esophagus from irritation. In addition, honey can also help neutralize gastric acid.

   To relieve gastric acid that rises, you can mix 1 teaspoon of honey into warm water or tea. You can also consume honey directly.

6. Getting Treatment

   If the natural methods above do not work to relieve gastric acid reflux, you can take acid-lowering medications.

   These are the symptoms of heartburn and how to treat them. By applying the tips above, you can help prevent heartburn and maintain your digestive health.

   Symptoms of gastric acid reflux are a condition that can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities, so it needs to be addressed. If you experience symptoms of gastric acid reflux or even do not improve and get worse, you can consult at IHH Healthcare Malaysia with an experienced doctor who can provide the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.