Acid reflux is a digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This backwash irritates the lining of the esophagus, and it often leads to chest pain. Understanding the mechanics of reflux helps in managing its effects on nightly rest. Here is more information on the condition and treatment options:
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux involves the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus. This muscle normally relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into the stomach, and then it tightens again. If this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
This reverse flow of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. The esophagus is not designed to withstand the corrosive nature of gastric acid, and frequent exposure leads to the uncomfortable sensation known as heartburn. Consulting a specialist helps with diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes It?
A hiatal hernia serves as a common anatomical cause of acid reflux. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm helps keep stomach acid down, so a hiatal hernia makes it easier for acid to come up.
Lifestyle choices and dietary habits may precipitate episodes of reflux. Consuming large meals or lying down right after a meal can trigger symptoms. Snacking close to bedtime is particularly problematic, as the stomach is still active when the body becomes horizontal.
Specific foods are known to relax the LES muscle. Common triggers include alcohol, chocolate, onions, and mint. Smoking also contributes to the problem, as it relaxes the LES and reduces saliva production.
What Are the Symptoms?
A common symptom is heartburn, which presents as a burning pain in the chest. This pain typically moves up toward the neck, and it may worsen when lying down or bending over. Regurgitation is another symptom, where a sour or bitter-tasting fluid backs up into the throat or mouth. Patients may also experience non-digestive symptoms, and these include a chronic cough or new and worsening asthma.
How Do Symptoms Affect Sleep?
When an individual lies down to sleep, gravity no longer helps keep stomach acid down, and it becomes easier for acid to reflux into the esophagus. This position allows acid to remain in the esophagus longer, and it causes more severe irritation to the lining. Sleep quality deteriorates when the body must constantly wake up to clear acid from the esophagus. The lack of deep sleep may lead to daytime fatigue and reduced cognitive function.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Weight management is recommended to reduce intra-abdominal pressure. Excess weight presses on the stomach, and this forces acid into the esophagus. Patients benefit from maintaining a healthy weight through regulated diet and exercise. Proper sleep positioning is another effective non-pharmacological intervention.
Dietary modifications help manage nocturnal symptoms. Avoid known trigger foods and stop eating a few hours before bedtime. Antacids are typically used for mild, infrequent symptoms, and they work by neutralizing stomach acid. A medical professional can prescribe medication to treat more severe cases.
Consult a Specialist Today
Chronic acid reflux requires medical attention to prevent long-term complications. Persistent sleep disturbances linked to reflux can affect overall health, and professional diagnosis is recommended. A gastroenterologist will evaluate specific symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of action. Schedule an appointment today.
