ACID REFLUX

What is it?

Acid reflux is sometimes known as gastro- oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or heartburn.

It happens when the contents of the stomach pass back through what should be a one-way valve into the oesophagus, or gullet. The contents of the stomach are very acidic, and the lining of the stomach is specially designed to cope with this. The oesophagus, on the other hand, is not - so when acid gets into the oesophagus it causes irritation and inflammation.

What causes it?

GORD is caused either by weakness of the valve between the oesophagus and the stomach or by excess upwards pressure on the stomach.

Who gets it?

Babies are prone to reflux, because the valve between the oesophagus and stomach is not very well developed - as any parent of a 'sicky' baby will agree. You will also be prone to reflux if you are pregnant, when your womb presses up on your stomach, or if you are overweight.

Smoking also aggravates it, and so does a condition called a hiatus hernia, where the top of your stomach passes up through your diaphragm.

What are the symptoms?

You will probably notice that you get a burning pain behind your breastbone, which may go through to your back. You may also find that you get a nasty bitter taste in your mouth, especially after a heavy meal or when you are lying in bed at night. Sometimes the pain starts only after meals, but gradually becomes constant. You will often find the pain gets worse when you bend over. It may be bad enough to put you off your food.

When should I go to my doctor?

If you have a burning sensation after meals, you may find you can improve it by eating smaller meals or taking antacids. If it persists, you should make a routine appointment with your GP.

What tests will my doctor do?

Your GP will ask you some questions and examine your stomach. He or she may not need to do further tests, but you may need a special X- ray which involves swallowing some milky liquid.

You may occasionally need to be referred to hospital for a specialist to look down into your gullet and stomach with a telescope.

What is the short-term treatment?

Your GP will be able to give you medicine to relieve the symptoms. He or she may also advise you to lose weight, to stop smoking, to eat smaller meals, to stop eating late at night and to raise the head of your bed by putting it on blocks.

Will I need long-term treatment?

This depends how successful your efforts are at tackling the things that bring on your symptoms. A few people may need to take medicine long- term, or to have an operation to control the symptoms.

How can I stop it getting worse?

If you are pregnant, your symptoms will probably go away on their own after you have your baby. Otherwise, you can help a great deal by keeping your weight down, stopping smoking, eating small meals regularly and avoiding eating just before you go to bed.

Cutting down on alcohol may also help.