treatment for acid reflux

Acid reflux is a common illness that causes stomach acid and, sometimes, the food inside the stomach flows back into the esophagus because the valve that separates the two bodies is not working properly. Acids inside the stomach are very strong - as strong as the acid from a car battery, so if it comes into the esophagus it can seriously damage it. The stomach lining is protected from acids, but the esophagus is not.


Many people are diagnosed with acid reflux each year and they can choose from many different types of treatments, depending on their diet and lifestyle.


The simplest method of treatment is a slight change in lifestyle and eating habits. The first thing you should do is always have your last meal a few hours before bedtime. It is more likely then not that acid reflux will occur while your lying because it's easier for the stomach contents to reflux due to body position. You can also prevent reflux by raising the side of the bed where your head is. This actually should be done by all people who suffer from acid reflux.


A change in diet is also recommended, because there are certain types of foods that can promote acid reflux. Among these are bubble gum, chocolate and fatty foods.


Smoking can irritate the  walls of the esophagus and  increase the damage the acid does, so you should cease smoking.


There are also many medications that can help to treat acid reflux, such as antacids and special drugs that can prevent reflux and reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.


The last resort for advanced disease or if nothing else works is surgery. Doctors will strengthen the valve between the stomach and esophagus to prevent reflux. Surgery is very effective and many patients are completely cured after surgery.. Sometimes you must take the drugs prescribed after surgery too...Acid reflux surgery is not required often only in severe cases.


Try treating your acid reflux early before heartburn and other symptoms become really annoying. The sooner the treatment begins, the easier it is to cure the disease.

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