Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux???

When the acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus), the condition is known as acid reflux.

Symptoms:

      

Common symptoms may include:

• Heartburn
• Pain in the upper abdomen and chest
• Feeling sick
• An acid taste in the mouth
• Bloating
• Belching
• Indiges
• A burning pain when swallowing hot drinks

Uncommon symptoms may include: 

• Asthma symptoms of cough and wheeze can sometimes be due to the acid reflux.
• Sore throat, Gum problems, Bad breath, Hoarseness and a feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Severe chest pains develops in some cases (which can be mistaken to be heart attack).

Whom does it affect??? 

• It is common for most people to have heartburn after a heavy meal, but, 1 out 3 will have heartburn every few days and 1 out of 10 will have atleast once a day.
• It is more common among smokers, pregnant ladies, heavy drinkers, obese people and those aged between 35 to 64 years.

What tests to be done???

• Endoscopy
• A test to check acidity inside the oesophagus
• Other tests like heart tracings, chest x-ray etc may be done to rule out if the symptoms are not typical.

What are the treatments for acid reflux???

• Antacids
• Acid suppressing medicines
• Prokinetic medicines
• Surgery

For more details, please go through http://www.patient.co.uk/health/acid-reflux-and-oesophagitis