Acid Reflux

Symptoms may typically be worse after eating, bending over, or lying down. Luckily, Pharmacy Online has a range of gastro-resistant tablets to help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux - but you should choose the right solution for your needs.

The Causes Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Acid reflux occurs when there's too much acid in your oesophagus, but many factors can contribute to the condition. While many believe that an unhealthy diet is the root cause of acid reflux, there can be causes that are out of your control.

Diet

Most cases of acid reflux are due to a poor diet, especially when a person consumes a lot of fatty or acidic foods. Common contributors include:

• Deep-Fried Foods
• Spicy Foods (especially creamy dishes)
• Tomato
• Citrus Fruits
• Fatty Foods

Mint can also create problems - especially if you have a sensitive stomach, and some people are pretty sensitive to garlic or onions. Surprisingly, chocolate can also cause GERD symptoms.

Drinks

Most people know that alcohol can contribute to acid reflux, but carbonated drinks, coffee and tea might also aggravate your symptoms. It's also important to note that decaffeinated versions of these drinks won't reduce acid reflux.

Smoking

Smoking is a significant contributor to potentially fatal diseases, so, understandably, people forget it can also cause gastroesophageal reflux disease. People who smoke can:

• Negatively impact their throat muscle reflexes
• Elevate acid secretion
• Damage their mucus membranes
• Decrease salivation

Smoking is also a significant risk cancer for oesophagal cancer, which often results in operations that make you more prone to excess acid.

Taking Ibuprofen and Naproxen

Ibuprofen and Naproxen are effective anti-inflammatory medications, but they can impact the lining of your stomach, which results in acid reflux. If someone needs to take regular medication for arthritis, endometriosis or other inflammatory conditions, they're more at risk of excess acid.

Medicines such as Omaperazole can protect the stomach lining, but heartburn medication can also be effective in neutralising the acid.

Pregnancy

It's common for women to experience heartburn symptoms during pregnancy, primarily due to the excess hormones. This usually occurs in the third trimester, and the symptoms will disappear after labour.

Stomach Problems

Hiatal hernias occur when the lower oesophagal sphincter and upper stomach move above your diaphragm. As your diaphragm controls acid from moving into your chest, a hiatal hernia will reduce its ability to block acid resulting in reflux.

You can also aggravate your stomach by overeating, not chewing your food correctly and lying down after a meal.

What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a common condi