Acid reflux (also known as GERD or heartburn) is a common condition - about 60 million Americans experience it at least once a month.

For some, acid reflux is a temporary phenomenon experienced only when eating too much, or eating particular types of food eg spicy foods.. But for many others, acid reflux can be a painful and persistent condition.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (that normally closes after swallowing to prevent stomach contents from escaping) malfunctions and allows stomach acid to travel up the esophagus. When this happens, a painful sensation is felt.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

The symptoms of acid reflux are? Burning painful sensation in the chest and / or acid regurgitation in the mouth.. Some patients even develop nausea although this is less common. Although Often called heartburn, Pain should not be mistaken for that associated with a true heart attack or heart failure which is accompanied by tension and pounding in the chest, weakness and feeling weak.

What are the treatments for acid reflux?

Fortunately there are many treatments available for acid reflux.

Antacids are usually the first port of call for many acid reflux. For short-term and infrequent attacks of acid reflux, these provide much needed temporary relief. However, as a long term solution to them is not advisable and alternatives should be sought.

Any victim of regular acid reflux should keep a diary of everything they eat and drink. Over time, patterns can be established and many people report elimination or reduction of acid reflux symptoms after changing their diet accordingly to eliminate problematic food or drink.

If dietary changes have little or no effect, there are several drugs that are available over the counter and with prescription.

PPIs, or inhibitors of the proton pump, is often prescribed and successful drugs. They work by inhibiting the production of stomach acid that causes acid reflux. Have relatively limited side effects.The H2 blockers are a diverse family of drugs that have the same effect but work in a different way.For the vast majority of victims long-term acid reflux disease, PPIs and H2 blockers are a successful drug therapy. Some people, however, can not respond to treatment with PPIs and H2 blockers and their only option are more radical drugs known as promotility agents. Unfortunately, these can have very serious side effects and therefore are rarely prescribed.

Lastly, for those who fail to respond to drug treatment, or simply want an alternative to the daily inconvenience of taking drugs, surgery is an option. New techniques are constantly being developed, some of which include procedures such as Enteryx procedure..Your doctor may give you more advice on these surgery options.