If not treated, severe acid reflux can result in some very serious problems. This is why managing acid reflux disease is so important. Here we look at some conditions that can be a result of severe acid reflux and also some suggestions for managing acid reflux disease.
Severe acid reflux can lead to esophagitis. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the lower esophagus normally prevent stomach acid from coming back up into the esophagus, but when a person suffers from mild, moderate or severe acid reflux, the muscles do not stop the acid from entering the esophagus and this stomach acid can cause pain and inflammation of the esophagus, which is caused esophagitis. Managing acid reflux disease is all about preventing acid from leaking back up into the esophagus.
Sometimes, when severe acid reflux damages the lining of the esophagus, scarring and narrowing of the esophagus occurs. This scarring and narrowing is called strictures and can prevent food and liquids from reaching the stomach. Since strictures affect the ability to eat and drink, it must be treated by stretching and enlarging the esophagus to prevent other health problems that can arise from a lack of proper nutrition. Managing acid reflux disease, before it becomes severe can prevent damage to the esophagus, thus preventing strictures from forming.
In cases where severe acid reflux results in esophagitis, esophageal bleeding or ulcers may occur. A condition called Barrett’s esophagus can develop. The symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus are the same as those of severe acid reflux. By properly managing acid reflux disease, the chance of developing Barrett’s esophagus is reduced. People with Barrett’s esophagus have cellular changes in the esophagus that may lead to cancer. The major risk factors for esophageal cancer are considered to be smoking, Barrett’s esophagus, alcoholism and severe acid reflux.
There are lifestyle changes that are considered helpful in managing acid reflux disease. If you are a smoker, nicotine relaxes the muscle that normally prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus and dries out saliva in the mouth and throat which normally helps neutralize stomach acid. And, smoking increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. Anyone who suffers from severe acid reflux should not smoke.
Changes in eating habits will be helpful in managing acid reflux disease. When the stomach is overly full, acid is more likely to back up into the esophagus. Eating several small meals per day is a better choice for managing acid reflux disease, than is eating one or two large meals per day. Eating before bedtime may cause nighttime heartburn or acid reflux, which can interfere with sleep and cause other problems. Experts recommend that you eat your last meal several hours before bedtime. Raising the head of the bed is also recommended for managing acid reflux disease, particularly when symptoms occur at night. However, some people sleep through nighttime symptoms, so this could be helpful for anyone. Special wedges may be purchased, but some doctors say that these may “fold” the stomach and make symptoms worse and suggest that simply raising the head or lowering the foot of the bed is best.
There are many suggestions for managing acid reflux disease. Your doctor can probably recommend more, including avoiding certain foods and beverages (like alcohol) that increase stomach acid. Anyone who suffers from severe acid reflux should see their doctor regularly, take recommended prescription or over the counter medications and report new or worsening symptoms. For more information about acid reflux and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com
