Acid Reflux and Esophagus Healing

According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a medical condition characterized by the flow of acid from the stomach back into the esophagus. Over a period of time, this could lead to damage to the lining of the esophagus. There are ways to control it and facilitate the healing process.

Causes

• Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close properly, allowing acid from the stomach to splash back into the esophagus. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, possible causes include obesity, excessive smoking and pregnancy.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of acid reflux include a burning sensation in the chest, known colloquially as heartburn, and a foul taste in the back of the throat, which often occurs when eating certain foods.

Treatment

• Treatment for acid reflux comes in a variety of ways, including lifestyle changes, over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, protein pump inhibitors, and prokinetics, which make the lower esophageal sphincter stronger.

Healing

• Although healing is often dependent on stopping the reflux entirely, the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse states that medications such as Prilosec and Nexium, which are known as protein pump inhibitors, can both treat symptoms and heal the lining of the esophagus over time.

Complications

• If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a more serious form of regular acid reflux. According to the Mayo Clinic, this could lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition that increases your susceptibility to esophageal cancer.