Everyone suffers from stomach upsets or heartburn periodically. However, there is a condition called acid reflux disease which can come with such severe pain and disabling discomfort that the one who suffers can do little until treatment by a medical doctor provides treatment, healing and relief.

Professor Michael Lee, consultant physician, gastroenterologist and professor of medicine, based at the University of the West Indies Department of Medicine and El Shaddai Medical in Kingston, notes that acid reflux disease is a fairly common occurrence in Jamaica.

Acid reflux disease is distinguished by the reflux of acid from the stomach that occurs with this condition. With gastroesophagal reflux - the stomach content refluxes back into the oesophagus or gullet. The stomach produces acid which, when it enters the oesophagus, may cause inflammation and damage to the oesophagus.

Cause

A special muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter, located in the distal part of the oesophagus, usually contracts and prevents the reflux of gastric contents. Normally, it only relaxes or opens when we swallow food or liquid. Acid reflux disease may be caused by a defect in the sphincter muscle.

Symptoms of acid reflux disease include heartburn or a burning pain that begins in the upper abdomen, radiating upwards to the middle of the chest. The patient may also complain of liquid coming back into the oesophagus, or the throat and mouth.

Complications include long-term damage and inflammation of the oesophagus with ulcer formation. Severe reflux with the narrowing of the oesophagus may occur, resulting in difficulty in swallowing.

Another complication may be asthma, but the exact causes are not really known for this association. Another complication is hoarseness, which occurs when acid enters the larynx.

A complication which is very uncommon (and also the result of very long-term condition) is Barrett's Oesophagus, where the lining of the oesophagus changes to such a degree that careful monitoring is needed.

Treatment

Treatment of acid reflux involves losing weight if the patient is overweight, as increased abdominal girth increases the intra-abdominal pressure, which will push the contents of the stomach into the oesophagus.

The patient will also be advised to eat small amounts of food more regularly, as this will provide the stomach with less material to reflux up. After eating dinner, it is also advisable to avoid lying down for two to three hours.

When in bed at night, elevate the head by four to six inches.

In general, it is advisable to avoid eating too much fatty foods and acidic foods like citrus foods and drinks. There are also certain medications which might predispose a person to reflux (some sedatives decrease muscle pressure in the lower oesophageal sphincter). Let your doctor know what medications you are taking.

Medication prescribed for acid reflux condition is intended to reduce the amount of acid secretion, since acid is the main culprit in causing damage. Medication will reduce the acid production of the stomach.

The disease is to be distinguished from common heartburn which occurs after overeating or dietary indiscretion. Occasional or intermittent reflux can be treated with antacids. The disease itself has chronic symptoms which will need medical treatment and supervision.