Acid Reflux, more commonly known as heartburn is a digestive issue which can cause a lot of discomfort if not diagnosed and treated effectively. Many people experience acid reflux but may not even be aware of it. Even fewer people understand what may be causing it, and the importance of having proper testing through a gastric reflux test so they can receive the correct treatment. You can learn more about tests for acid reflux on our more in-depth article. In this article, we’ll break down the causes of heartburn and attributes of acid reflux, its potential consequences, and the different types of diagnosis tests to help diagnose.
What is Acid Reflux (Heartburn)?
Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach comes back up into the oesophagus (the part of the body that connects your mouth to your stomach). This irritation to the tissue lining causes the sensation we know as heartburn, which is the feeling of acid in your throat or mouth.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Many of us can experience heartburn occasionally, but if it happens often it is known as GERD). If left untreated this can lead to other complications. To treat this condition, it is important first to understand what causes it and why.
Common Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn can be caused by several lifestyle factors which trigger acid reflux are linked to these primary causes:
- Diet: Eating overly spicy, fatty, inflammatory or acidic foods such as citrus and red meat can all cause heartburn, as well as other causes of acidity. Eating late at night or even simply overeating can also cause heartburn. Drinking alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or coffee can also trigger heartburn. The effects of food and drink will vary from person to person.
- Medications: Certain drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or certain blood pressure medications can increase acid reflux symptoms.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating large meals before bed can all cause heartburn. Being overweight, and not getting enough exercise are also contributing factors.
Once you have identified these factors which cause heartburn and your personal triggers, you can start to make lifestyle changes which will in turn reduce your symptoms of heartburn so you can get it under control.
Conditions Caused by Untreated Acid Reflux
It may sound like heartburn is not a serious issue, but if left untreated for a long period of time it can lead to other health complications. Acid reflux over time can cause Barette’s oesophagus, which increases the risk of getting oesophageal cancer.
While heartburn may seem like a minor issue, untreated acid reflux can have more serious health implications. Over time, continuous acid exposure to the oesophagus can cause conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus, when cells in your oesophagus begin to change. This is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer.
Other conditions include difficulty swallowing due to scar tissue forming in the oesophagus, this can then lead to other digestive disorders. Esophagitis can result from stomach acids causing inflammation of the oesophagus. These are just some of the conditions which highlight why it is important to get a diagnosis if you are suffering from acid reflux regularly.
The Importance of Diagnostic Testing
These conditions are just some of the reasons why it’s important to get a diagnosis if you suffer from acid reflux regularly. There are different types of tests which can be used to determine how severe your acid reflux is, which then helps to work out which type of treatment would be the best for you.
24-Hour Acid Reflux Testing
The main test for acid reflux is a gastric reflux test. This monitors how much acid from your stomach backs up into your oesophagus over a period of time. The results of this test help healthcare professionals to determine if you are experiencing GERD and to find the suitable treatment options for you.
This test for acid reflux disease involves measuring the pH levels in your oesophagus to determine the levels of acid over a period of time which is usually 24 hours. It measures how often you may experience acid reflux episodes and how long they last.
Test for Barrett’s Oesophagus
To test for Barrett’s Oesophagus the pH of the oesophagus also needs to be monitored. The results of the pH tests will help determine if there is too much acid coming from the stomach which is damaging healthy tissue in other parts of the body. This test can also help to find out how much of internal tissue is damaged.
Endoscopy
In addition to the test for reflux, a biopsy is required for some patients – which is taking a small tissue sample from the oesophagus may be required to take a closer look at the linking of the oesophagus. This can help to determine your risk of cancer.
Managing and Preventing Heartburn
There are several ways you can reduce your risk of heartburn and manage your symptoms.
Change Your Diet
Watching your diet by avoiding rich, inflammatory foods which can trigger heartburn. Eating smaller meals, hours before you go to bed will also help.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink and getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight will also help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
Take Medications
Sometimes making lifestyle changes and watching your diet are not enough to receive long-term relief from your symptoms. Stronger medications are sometimes needed to manage your acid reflux, these are often prescribed by your doctor if you are taking other prescription medications which exacerbate your acid reflux.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Acid reflux can be an uncomfortable experience, and if left untreated it can lead to more severe health issues. This is why it is important not to ignore it if the symptoms are frequent. By understanding what causes heartburn (triggers), and what heartburn causes (symptoms), and getting a diagnosis through proper testing, you can manage your symptoms and also reduce the risk of more serious conditions such as cancer. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns and ask for a test for acid reflux disease.
Everyone experiences acid reflux differently. If you are confused when to seek medical advice the rule of thumb is usually if you have persistent symptoms such as heartburn more than twice a week, even after making lifestyle and diet changes. A gastric/acid reflux test will help to clarify the severity of your condition and which treatment options would be best for you.