Acid reflux or GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a condition that happens when stomach acid backs up into the tube (esophagus) that connects your mouth to your stomach. The esophagus usually acts as a one-way street, letting food and liquid flow from your throat to your stomach. But the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach that usually opens when you swallow to let food pass into your stomach. If it relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn to your gut. When that happens, Casper acid reflux treatment will be of utmost importance.
The following are some acid reflux treatments:
Medication
Prokinetic medicines help control the symptoms of acid reflux by reducing both acid production and muscle spasms caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Prokinetic medications are typically prescribed in people who have not had relief from other treatments or combined.
Medicines to heal and protect the esophagus (e.g., omeprazole) such as antacids may provide temporary relief but should never be used as a long-term treatment because of potential side effects they can have on your body. Antacids are extremely overused by people.
Surgery
Fundoplication is a surgery that strengthens the LES valve. The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to form a new valve which means food will have to go through the valve to get into your stomach, but it won’t go back up again. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a weight-loss surgery that involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of your stomach. To create a small pouch that makes you feel full faster and limits how much you can eat at one time.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric or weight loss surgery may be an option if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher and have health problems related to being overweight. Bariatric surgery can often help people lose 50% or more of their excess weight, which reduces severe symptoms caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Hernia Repair
Hernia repair is typically done to repair a minor defect in the diaphragm that allows part of your stomach to bulge into this area, pushing acid back up into your throat. The surgery involves using mesh to strengthen the diaphragm.
Lifestyle Changes
Losing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol use are three things you can do to help reduce your symptoms. Eat small meals instead of huge ones. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux for you, avoid cigarette smoke and improve your overall health by quitting. Sitting up while eating or before going to bed can help reduce symptoms by keeping food from touching the esophagus. Driving after a meal and stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing may help, too.
To conclude, acid reflux is a condition wherein stomach acid refluxes back up your esophagus. If not treated, this can damage the lining of your esophagus and make you unable to swallow. There are many treatments for acid reflux, from lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, and more.
