Living With Acid Reflux

Do you suffer with heartburn on a diurnal basis? Are most of your meals followed by the hideous bitter taste and burning sensation caused by acid reflux? Whether so you most certainly are not alone.

Many people (myself included) are living with chronic heartburn and acid reflux or GORD (gastro- oesophaegal reflux disease). This is a condition where stomach acid overflows into the esophagus and rises up into the throat burning the sensitive walls on the way. Unlike the stomach, the oesophagus has no safeguard against the strong acid being regurgitated. This leaves the lining thin-skinned to inflammation, erosion and in some cases ulcers.

Sometimes the condition can be caused by pregnancy, eating excessively large meals or frequent bending with a filled stomach.

More commonly, as in my case, hiatus hernias are a factor. This is when detail of the stomach slides up washed-up the diaphragm allowing acid to flow backwards (reflux) into the oesophagus.

An x-ray or endoscopy (which involves swallowing a long, thin tube called an endoscope) testament clinch the diagnosis.

So what treatments are available and can anything be done to benefit the symptoms?

Here is my personal checklist:

* Try to avoid constant bending or tiring tight belts as these can make reflux worse.

* Elevate the head of the bed approximately 10 - 15cms. This will avail prevent acid flowing into the oesophagus while you sleep.

* Keep a food diary to detector which foods aggravate your symptoms. Chocolate and cheese are among the most popular culprits.

* Use paracetamol instead of aspirin based pain killers.

* Antacids. These are alkali liquids or tablets that can be purchased without prescription and may be constructive in neutralising the acid in mild heartburn.

* Acid suppressing medicines. These are designed to reduce the amount of acid the belly produces. Low dosages can be bought from pharmacies without prescription however they may not be enough to curb acid production in some people. Stronger dosages are available through your doctor.

SO ARE THESE MEDICATIONS Sheltered LONG TERM?

I personally have been taking Omeprazole (Losec) for approximately 10 years. On occasions when I have had a 'flare up' I have needed 40mg per day for approximately 1 week followed by 20mg a date for a month. My usual dosage though and the general prolongation dosage is 10mg a period with an casual additional 10mg 'top up' as and when necessary. I will probably need to continue with this regime for the rest of my life. With regards safety of the medication - bearing in mind the large number of patients who used to die in the past from bleeding ulcers, I consider the consequences of excess acid to be far also dangerous than any side tool produced by the tablets. In my case there enjoy been none.

Acid reflux and constant heartburn should not be ignored. They can cause scarring and long term damage to the oesophagus. In serious cases it can lead to Barrett's Oesophagus which is a condition where the cells change and may be more prone to cancer. If you are suffering from acid reflux consult your doctor now. Early treatment can prevent further damage and enable you to live a healthy and active life.

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