Acid Reflux Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

When the digestive fluids rise up with food, this is acid reflux. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs in people of all ages. There are several things that can contribute to the condition.

Symptoms

• Heartburn, nausea and regurgitation are the most common symptoms of acid reflux. Consistent acid reflux can lead to complications, such as ulcers, strictures, Barrett's esophagus and coughing.

Causes

• There are a number of things that can cause or contribute to acid reflux. These include hiatal hernias, lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal contractions and the emptying of the stomach.

Risk Factors

• Some people are at a higher risk of having acid reflux. If you are pregnant, obese, have respiratory disease, or if you consistently eat foods that have a lot of acid, then you have a higher risk.

Prevention/Solution

• Cutting down on spicy foods and foods with a lot of acid can help prevent acid reflux. Sleeping at an elevated angle can also help prevent occurrences of acid reflux.

Treatment

• Changing your eating habits, losing weight and using antacids can help treat acid reflux. More serious cases may need medications, proton pump inhibitors, histamine antagonists or surgery to treat it.