Causes
Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter which prevents reflux of the gastric acids.
Eating a large meal or eating late at night
Lying down immediately after a meal
Obesity
Smoking or second hand smoking
Alcohol
Fatty foods or spicy foods
Carbonate drinks and caffeinated drinks
Pregnancy
Hiatus hernia
Certain medications
Symptoms
Burning in the chest
Chest pain
Sour taste in the mouth (reflux)
Sore throat
Bad breath
Shortness of breath
Bloating
Nausea
Complications
Esophagitis – inflammation of the esophageal mucosa leading to bleeding and ulcer formation.
Esophageal stricture – narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue causing difficulty in swallowing.
Barrett’s Esophagus – precancerous changes in the lining of the esophagus due to chronic damage from the stomach acid.
Chronic cough or asthma
Diagnosis
Physical history of aggravating or alleviating factors
Tests:
Endoscopy – a camera that is place down your esophagus to check for damage to the tissue or any abnormal growth.
Esophageal manometry to check the rhythm of your esophageal muscles as your swallow.
Esophageal pH study – a test that checks when and how long acid stays in your esophagus.
Barium swallow – helps to detect if your esophagus is becoming narrow.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes:
Avoid aggravating foods
Taking a light diet
Don’t lie down for 3 hours after meals
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Avoid obesity
Elevate your head while sleeping
Medications – various types of antacids.
Surgery – if medical and lifestyle management fail.
Surgery includes Nissen fundoplication in which the surgeon wraps the top of your stomach around your lower esophageal sphincter to re-create the similar mechanism.
