{"id":1873,"date":"2015-03-25T05:49:13","date_gmt":"2015-03-25T05:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.reliablerxpharmacy.com\/blog\/?p=1873"},"modified":"2015-03-25T05:49:13","modified_gmt":"2015-03-25T05:49:13","slug":"heartburn-control-acid-reflux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reliablerxpharmacy.com\/blog\/heartburn-control-acid-reflux\/","title":{"rendered":"No more heartburn: how to control acid reflux"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Alarmed by that burning sensation in your chest? Chances are it\u2019s heartburn, one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux, a condition that creates disturbances in the upper abdomen and is often called indigestion. It is reported that about 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily; 60 million experience it at least once a month.
\nWhat is acid reflux or heartburn?
\n<\/strong>Acid reflux, which results in a\u00a0painful, burning feeling in your chest or throat, is a common occurrence. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.<\/em><\/p>\n

There is a circular muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter that lies between the esophagus and stomach. This muscle is responsible for closing the esophagus after food passes to the stomach. If this muscle is weak or does not close, then acid from the stomach can move backward into the esophagus. This whole process is called acid reflux.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Acid<\/a><\/p>\n

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What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
\n<\/strong>Heartburn<\/b> This is the most common symptom of acid reflux which causes a burning sensation starting from the stomach to the middle of the abdomen and chest.\u00a0 It does not harm the heart, but a burning sensation in the chest is often misinterpreted as a heart attack. Pressure or pain behind the breastbone, the feeling of food being stuck in the chest, burping and a sour taste at the back of the throat are signs of heartburn.<\/p>\n

Regurgitation<\/b> This is another symptom which creates a bitter taste in the mouth followed by vomiting.<\/p>\n

Dyspepsia<\/b> This is basically stomach discomfort. Signs of dyspepsia are burping, upper abdominal pain and nausea after eating.<\/p>\n

Cause of acid reflux
\n<\/strong>Though acid reflux is rarely dangerous, keeping a check on one\u2019s daily diet and lifestyle can prevent the discomfort caused by it.<\/p>\n

Factors that can cause acid reflux symptoms are:
\n<\/strong>Stomach abnormalities<\/b> Hiatal hernia is a stomach abnormality that can occur at any age and cause acid reflux. It occurs when part of your stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm. Your diaphragm normally has a small opening (hiatus) through which your food tube (esophagus) passes on its way to connect to your stomach. The stomach can push up through this opening and cause a hiatal hernia, which allows food and acid to back up into your esophagus, leading to heartburn.<\/p>\n

Pregnancy<\/b> Acid reflux is a common problem among pregnant women. It occurs due to increased hormone levels combined with the pressure of a growing fetus.<\/p>\n

Smoking<\/b> This alone can cause heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, but when combined with alcohol consumption, enhances risk of esophagus cancer too.<\/p>\n

Diet<\/b> Consuming large meals or lying down right after eating may instigate heartburn. Chocolate, garlic, onions, fried foods, mint and citrus fruits can cause heartburn or acid reflux.<\/p>\n

How should you treat acid reflux symptoms?
\n<\/strong>Several people who suffer from heartburn or indigestion caused by food or drink can quickly reduce stomach acidity by taking over-the-counter medicines. A poor lifestyle can also lead to heartburn, so keeping a check on your diet and daily routine is a must.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the things that you can do:<\/p>\n