Acid Reflux Treatment

Acid reflux, also referred to as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), is a condition where stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus and throat. It occurs when the muscles in the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) do not contract properly, resulting in the LOS muscles weakening over time. This facilitates the movement of stomach acid back up into the oesophagus, resulting in irritation and inflammation.

Acid reflux can be caused by various nutritional and lifestyle-related factors, including but not limited to:

• Spicy foods: Spicy foods, such as chilli peppers, contain the chemical compound capsaicin which can slow down digestion and irritate the oesophagus, causing food to sit in the stomach for long periods of time. This can trigger the production of excessive stomach acid, thereby increasing the risk of acid reflux.
• Caffeinated beverages: Caffeine can cause the LOS to relax, making it easier for stomach acid to travel up from the stomach to the oesophagus, resulting in acid reflux.
• Lying down immediately after eating: When an individual lies down after eating a meal, the pressure placed on the LOS increases, weakening its ability to prevent the stomach from being regurgitated into the oesophagus and causing acid reflux.
• Obesity: Extra body weight due to obesity can place increased pressure on the abdomen, contributing to the weakening of the LOS and subsequently causing stomach acid to be regurgitated into the oesophagus, resulting in acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn.
• Nicotine: Nicotine relaxes the LOS, making it easier for stomach acid to travel up from the stomach into the oesophagus. In addition, certain nicotine products such as cigarettes and vapes can increase stomach acid production and reduce saliva production, further exacerbating acid reflux.

Moderating one’s intake of spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol can therefore help relieve acid reflux symptoms. Moreover, it is advisable to sit upright after eating, try to reduce nicotine intake as much as possible, and eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the risk of acid reflux.

Recommended reading:

• 5 Common Acid Reflux Triggers
• Foods To Avoid If You Suffer From Acid Reflux

According to the NHS, the most commonly reported acid reflux symptoms are:

• Heartburn (which can cause a burning sensation in the chest)
• An unpleasant sour taste in the mouth
• A recurring cough and hiccups
• A croaky voice
• Bad breath
• Bloating
• Nausea

Learn more about how to relieve acid reflux symptoms in our Ultimate Guide To Acid Reflux.

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are among the most effective acid reflux treatments to relieve symptoms.

PPIs inhibit the activity of enzymes known as proton pumps which are found in the stomach lining and produce acid to help digest food. This mechanism reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach, decreasing the risk of acid reflux and preventing irritation in the oesophagus.

In addition to PPIs, acid reflux can be treated by taking antacids such as Gaviscon Double Action Tablets and Gaviscon Double Action Liquid. These acid reflux treatments neutralise stomach acid, reducing the severity of heartburn, and inhibiting the pepsin enzyme, which creates acid to help break down food for digestion.

By stopping the activity of this enzyme, antacids further reduce acid production, providing relief from acid reflux.

1. NHS Inform, 2024. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord/.

2. Wiley Online Library, 2024. Study on gastrointestinal conditions. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2024/9990554.

3. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2024. Research on digestive health. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485364.