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Some Misconceptions About Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is not caused by the excessive acid production in the patient’s stomach. It is caused due to the malfunctioning of esophageal sphincter. The amount of acids present in the stomach of acid reflux sufferers is on the same level as that of common people.
The following are some of the popular misconceptions about acid reflux and its causes:
Acid Reflux Is Not At All Serious
Some people tend to ignore acid reflux condition as a common nuisance, rather than considering it as a disease worth treatment. But, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is commonly known as acid reflux, can be a serious problem for a person in maintaining a happy life. In some cases, acid reflux condition is known to be the precursor of serious conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, erosive esophagitis, esophageal strictures, esophageal cancer etc. So it would be always a smart idea to err on the side of caution and take the necessary preventive measures so as to bring the condition under control.
A Bland Diet Can Provide Relief For Acid Reflux
In certain cases, the contrary is proven. If sufferers of acid reflux get a chance to enjoy their favorite food items, that is seen to help them in relieving their symptoms. This may be due to a psychological good feeling created in their mind. In serious cases of GERD, a bland diet alone is not of much help.
Reduce Consumption Of Protein
Only meat proteins has to be reduced. Proteins contained in peanut butter, tofu etc are not known to adversely affect acid reflux condition.
Milk Can Reduce Acid Reflux Condition
This is not true. Milk has the ability to counteract the stomach acids. But the human stomach is going to produce more acids and bring the stomach acid levels back to the normal level in a very short time. So milk won’t be much of a help in the long run.
Acidic Foods Will Increase Acid Reflux
This is not always true. Many acid reflux sufferers have been reporting that they are getting relief from the use of apple cider vinegar. As this is acidic in nature, it does not make sense. But many users vouch for its effectiveness. The reason for this is not proven through any studies yet.
Products With Caffeine, Spicy Food Items, Alcohol And Chocolate Need To Be Avoided.There are contrary reports on the usage of these. Caffeine contained in green tea is known to be good for acid reflux sufferers. Herbal Tea is also good for consumption. All of the above substances are known to cause problems for certain people. But some people are not at all adversely affected from the use of products with caffeine in them, spicy food items, alcohol and chocolate. Hence, only those people who are negatively affected need to avoid those particular products. Reducing body weight is the only known life style change that has helped in reducing acid reflux condition for certain.
If You Maintain Healthy Diet And Lifestyle, Acid Reflux Will Stay Away From You
Acid reflux condition affects people from all walks of life. Even those who eat healthy food items and sticking to routine exercising are also known to suffer from this painful condition.
Only Those Who Have Excess Acid In Their Stomach Are Prone To Suffer From Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is not caused by the excessive acid production in the patient’s stomach. It is caused due to the malfunctioning of esophageal sphincter. The amount of acids present in the stomach of acid reflux sufferers is on the same level as that of common people.
We have tried to put down as many popular misconceptions about acid reflux as possible, if you know of any which we have not listed do pen it down in the comments section below.
[tags]misconceptions about acid reflux[/tags]
How Is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Different From Acid Reflux (GERD)?
the stomach acids which goes up in to the esophagus will go up in to the throat and some times even in to the voice box. Now this is how LPR or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux occurs
Since you are here at this site, you must be familiar with the term Acid Reflux.
What about LPR? Are you familiar with that term?
LPR stands for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and is very similar to acid reflux or GERD. The main difference is that in most cases, there is no heart burn involved. As such, many LPR victims may not be even aware of their acid reflux condition.
In your esophagus, there are two separate sphincter muscles present. They are
- The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and
- The upper esophageal sphincter (UES)
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flow in to the esophagus through lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Those who are having a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter are known to be suffering from this condition. If you suffer from this condition at least twice a week, you are considered to be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
How is it going to be different when the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is not working properly? What if this happens in addition to a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter?
In this case, the stomach acids which goes up in to the esophagus will go up in to the throat and some times even in to the voice box. Now this is how LPR or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux occurs.
How is LPR different from GERD? Are the symptoms the same for both diseases? Can people suffer from Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) without having any symptoms of Acid Reflux (GERD)? Can LPR occur without any heart burn at all? This is totally possible. Some of the people who suffer from LPR do not suffer from heart burn at all! How is this possible? Heart burn occurs when the acids stays in the esophagus and burns the surface. But in LPR, these stomach acids are not staying in the esophagus long enough to cause heart burn. In this case, acid goes past the esophagus and rests in the person’s throat or voice box. As the throat is more sensitive than esophagus, this will result in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux symptoms and not heart burn associated with GERD.
Some of the symptoms associated with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux can be Continual throat clearing, Chronic throat irritation, Chronic cough, Hoarseness, Excessive phlegm in the throat, Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, Constant feeling of something present in the throat area, Swallowed food comeing back up, Post nasal drainage, Weak voice, Cracking voice, Blockage of the breathing passage, Spasm of the larynx (voice box), Wheezing, Heartburn etc.
Your doctor may have to use any of the following procedures so as to diagnose the condition.
- Laryngoscopy which can be made use so as to locate any changes in the patient’s throat and voice box.
- 24-hour pH testing can be used to see if stomach acids are moving in to the throat area or not.
- Upper GI Endoscopy is used to find any or all abnormalities or growths present in the esophagus. This is usually performed when the patient is complaining of difficulty in swallowing food.
For the most part, treatment of LPR is the same as that of GERD.
[tags]Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)[/tags]
Acid Reflux Affecting Infants
Most healthy babies will over come acid reflux problem by their very first birthday.
Minor forms of acid reflux like spitting up or wet burps are common in infants.
Roughly half of all infants are known to suffer from this condition in the early months of their birth. If they are bottle fed, they will spit out some formula. This problem will be reduced by the time they are a year old. There is no need of treating this condition, as it is quite natural. In case the condition shows symptoms of becoming more serious like esophagitis or any other problems, then medical attention is needed. Only a minute percentage of infants fall under this category and need medical treatment. For these babies the symptoms stay the same or become severe, as they get older.
As you probably know, acid reflux is caused when the patient’s lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not work properly and it lets food and stomach acids to go up in to esophagus and even up in to the throat.
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Infants
Frequent spitting up and wet burps are the main symptoms. Problems in swallowing food as well as coughing, sneezing and similar respiratory problems can also be due to acid reflux condition. If this spitting up turns in to vomiting or breathing problems, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux In Infants
In most cases, the doctor can confirm the problem from the descriptions provided by the parents or through a physical examination. In cases where the nature of the condition is more serious, the doctor may opt for diagnostic tests like endoscopy, pH balance test, lab tests etc.
Treatment For Acid Reflux In Infants
Most healthy babies will over come this problem by their very first birthday. So your doctor is going to suggest you just to make a few changes in your daily habits. These can be:
Feed The Baby In An Upright Position
If you keep them in this position during feeding and afterwards for the next 30 minutes, the acid reflux problem can be significantly reduced.
Feed Them Frequently And Give Smaller Quantities Of Formula Each Time
Smaller portions of formula, given more often, would help reduce the problem. As this will keep the abdominal pressure at a minimal level, the chances of reflux will be lower.
Make Changes In The Diet Of Breast-Feeding Mothers
Breast-feeding mothers should avoid food products containing caffeine, chocolate, garlic etc. These items are known to worsen the acid reflux condition.
Burping Your Infant Multiple Times During Feeding Can Relieve The Problem
If you burp the baby only after the baby finishes the formula, then the reflux can be more, as the stomach is full. But if you make it a habit to burp him multiple times between the feeding, that would help to reduce the problems.
[tags]Infant Acid Reflux[/tags]
