Acid reflux

It occurs due to relaxing of esophageal muscle at wrong time, so the stomach content flows back into esophagus the stomach content has strong acid and the stomach wall is well protected with this acid content, but esophagus is not. There is a ring of muscle called esophageal sphincter in between stomach and esophagus which prevent stomach content to come back in esophagus. When this value fail stomach content regurgitates into esophagus this is called acid reflux when it happens frequently this is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or chronic acid reflux.

Causes:

1- Weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES): The LES is the muscular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. If the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can low back into the esophagus.

2- Hiatus hernia: Hiatal hernia occur when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest. This can weaken the LES and allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

3- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the LES to relax, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Too much pressure on abdomen during pregnancy also responsible for acid reflux.

4- Certain food and drinks can triggers reflux, including spicy and acidic foods, fatty or fried foods ,caffeine,alcohal and carbonated beverages.

5- Smoking both active and passive causes acid reflux, Smoking prompts the stomach to increases secretion of gastric juices being reflux in esophagus. Smoking also reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure, when the pressure reduces acid easily creeps into esophagus.

6-Certain medication such as antihistamines, antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and calcium channels blockers, can relax the LES and increases the risk of acid reflux.

7- Eating heavy meals and lying on your back or bending over on waist immediately after meal also causes acid reflux. Snacking close to bedtime.

8- Lack of exercises: Reg exercises helps to maintain body weight ad supporting good digestion but few exercises impacting stomach pressure like crunches abdominal press and high impact exercises troubling acid reflux.

9-Stress: Increased emotional stress prompt the secretions of acid in the stomach. Research shows person suffering from depression and anxiety prone for acid reflux.

Symptoms:

1 Heartburn: This is most common symptoms of acid reflux , it is described as burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating and may worsen when lying down or bending over.

2- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in mouth, along with the feeling of stomach contents coming back up into the throat or mouth is known as regurgitation.

3-Chest pain: Some people with acid reflux may experiences chest pain or discomfort, which can be similar to the symptoms of heart attack, It is important to seek medical attention if you are unsure about the cause of your chest pain.

4-Difficul swallowing (dysphagia): Acid reflux can cause narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food or liquid.

5- Chronic cough: Persistent, dry cough that is not related to a respiratory infection or allergy could be a symptom of acid reflux. The cough is typically worse at night or after eating.

6-Asthma or asthma like symptoms: Acid reflux may trigger or worsen symptoms of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

7- laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box (larynx) caused by acid reflux can lead to a strained voice, sore throat or a sensation of a lump in the throat.

It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity among individuals and not everyone with acid reflux will experience all of them, if you suspect you have acid reflux or are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is recommended to consult with doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Management:

The management of acid reflux aims to reduce symptoms heal any damage to the esophageal and prevent complications. Here are some lifestyle modifications that can help manage acid reflux.

1-Diet modification:

I) Avoid triggers food and beverages that can worsen symptoms such as spicy foods citrus tomatoes chocolates caffeine alcohol, and fatty or fried foods.

II)Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals and avoid eating within a few hours of bedtime.

III) Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals and avoid eating within a few hours of bedtime.

2-Changes in eating habits:

I) Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly.

II) Sit upright while eating and remain upright for at least 2-3 hours after a meal.

III) Use gravity to your advantage by elevating the head to your bed by 6-7 inches {using bed risers or placing a wedge pillow under the matters.

Lifestyle changes: I) Quit smoking, as smoking can worsen acid reflux symptoms and impair the healing process.

II)Avoid tight - fitting clothing that puts pressure on the abdomen.

III)Manage stress level through technique such as relaxation exercises, meditation,or counselling, stress can worsen the symptoms.

IV)Sleeping position: sleep on your left side aa this can help keep the stomach below the esophagus and reduce the risk of acid reflux during sleep.

V)Regular exercises: engaging in your physical activities can help to maintain healthy weight, improve digestion, and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Medical interventions: Homeopathy offer a variety of medicines that may be helpful in managing symptoms of reflux acidity. The selection of a specific homeopathic medicine will depend on the individuals unique set of symptoms and the underlying cause of their acid reflux. it is important to consult with qualified homeopathic practitioners to determine the most appropriate treatment. Here are some commonly used homeopathic medicines for reflux acidity.

Argentum nitricum : Belching associated with most gastric complaints. Desire for sweets. nausea vomiting of glairy mucus.

Arsenic album: This remedy may be suggested for individuals with burning sensation in the chest and stomach, accompanied by anxiety and restlessness, it is believed to help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.

Calcarea carbonica: Frequent and sour eructation acidity with pain on chest craving for indigestible things chalks coal pencils, desire for eggs.

Carbo veg: Flatulence, more eructation especially after eating and drinking. Flatulence effect middle part of abdomen. The simplest food increases symptoms. Aversion to milk meat and fatty thinks.

Iris versicolor: Vomiting of sour fluids nausea decreased appetite.

Lycopodium: Sour eructation feeling of pressure in the stomach after eating.Desire for sweets .

Nux vomica: This medicine is frequently used to treat acid refluxes caused by overeating, alcohol consummation, and coffee or spicy foods. it may be helpful for individuals who experiences a burning sensation in the stomachs and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen. loves fat and tolerate them well.

Pulsatilla: Pulsatilla is often used to treat acid reflux in individuals who have a low tolerance for fatty food or rich foods. It may be helpful for individuals who experiencing a burning sensation in the chest or throat, and who feel worse after eating. Thirstlessness. Aversion from fatty thinks warm food and drinks.

Natrum Phosphonium: This medicine may be helpful for individuals who experiences acid reflux as a result of acidic foods or drinks. Thin, moist coating on the tongue. yellow creamy coating at the back part of the roof of the mouth. Sour eructation. Flatulence with sour regurgitation.

Robinia: Intensely acrid eructation and greenish vomiting colic and flatulence nightly burning pains on stomach and constipation with urgent desire. Acidity of children.

Sulphuric acidicum: Debility. craving for alcohol. heart burn sour eructation sets teeth edges sour vomiting could not tolerate smell of coffee desire for fresh food.

It is important to consult with a qualified homeopath who has experience with homeopathy treatment to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situations.

Complications: If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of esophagus), esophageal strictures (narrowing of esophagus), barrettes esophagus (a precancerous condition), and even an increased risk of esophageal cancer.