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Aspirate Reflux Treatment

You can experience acid reflux also known as gastroesophageal reflux when food particles or stomach acid backs into your esophagus. Typical occurrences of reflux do not cause difficulties. However, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have symptoms caused by the reflux. These symptoms can include heartburn or pain when swallowing. The back up of stomach acid can be breathed into the lungs which is referred to as aspiration.

There are several treatment options that you can take part in to alleviate the trouble to reflux aspiration. Some of those treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes and surgery.

  1. Lifestyle Changes

    • Quit smoking, if you are a smoker. Smoking results in increased acid production.

      Avoid consuming alcohol also. Drinking alcohol can make your lower esophagus muscle lining (esophageal sphincter) relax. During this relaxation, acid can run back up into your esophagus.

      Controlling your weight is another way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Extra weight can put pressure on your abdomen, pushing your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. Consult a doctor about a weight loss plan that is right for you.

      Avoid foods that causes you to have heartburn. Such foods include mint, garlic, chocolate, onions and caffeine.

    Medications

    • Take medications that reduce acid such as Pepcid AC and Zantac 75.

      Consult your doctor if you want medications with more strength.
      Ask your doctor for his recommendation of drugs that help in emptying your stomach and esophagus.

      Take antacids like Maalox, Tums and Rolaids. Avoid using antacids too much because they can cause diarrhea or constipation.

    Surgery

    • Check into the possibility of having a Nissen Fundoplication surgery. This procedure consists of pulling the lower part of the esophagus protective lining tight to ward off reflux by wrapping the top of the stomach around the outer part of the lower esophagus.

      Check with your doctor to see if the laparoscopic method is for you. This type of surgery involves having five small incisions made in the stomach. The benefit of this method is that it is less painful and involves a faster recovery.

      Another procedure that you could discuss with your doctor involves forming scar tissue in the esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure uses electrode energy to heat esophageal tissue. By heating the esophagus, scar tissue is created and causes nerve damage that reacts to acid reflux.

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