Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is among the most common medical conditions affecting humans, with an average of one in every three people experiencing reflux at some point in their lives. It basically means that some of the acid normally secreted and found in the stomach goes up your food pipe (the esophagus) and causes irritation and problems with swallowing.
Treatment options available:
Many treatment options are available for acid reflux including medical and surgical options. As a general rule, medical treatment is the first attempted option, and surgery is only left for cases where medical treatment is ineffective.
1- Lifestyle changes:
Lifestyle changes are usually the first, and sometimes best, choice regarding many diseases including acid reflux. Some lifestyle modifications that may help reduce symptoms include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller, more frequent meals, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding lying down immediately after eating, and elevating the head of the bed while sleeping. Other tips include quitting smoking, which increases the risk of, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing around the waist. All of those increase the pressure of the abdomen or decrease the pressure of the esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.
In addition, it’s important to avoid eating within a short amount of time from bedtime, as this can increase the risk of acid reflux symptoms. By making these lifestyle modifications, individuals with acid reflux can potentially reduce their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.