Acid Reflux in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of the major cities in United States that has fast moving life. People are always on the move and have adjusted their lifestyles accordingly. Improper eating habits have also become a part of fast moving life and people often suffer from Gastro intestinal problems like acid reflux or GERD. NDDIC is a service of National Institute or Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases which states that acid reflux problem is equally prevalent in Philadelphia as in other state in US. It also gives out details about various causes of acid reflux in people, acid reflux problems in children and how it can be treated.

Causes and Symptoms of GERD

If you have persistent heartburn problems along with acid regurgitation, then it is likely that you might be suffering from severe acid reflux problems. Some people may experience acidity even without heartburn. Instead they may feel regular chest pain or hoarseness in the morning. They may also experience trouble in swallowing anything. There may be a feeling of choking or tightness in the throat. Persistent GERD problems may result in dry cough or bad breath.
Problems with acid reflux are not only limited to adults but can frequently occur in children too. In case of infants, they may cry persistently due to acid reflux or colic. Children or infants may experience vomiting, coughing or other respiratory problems. It is good to consult a doctor for any acid reflux disease in infants. Initially doctor may recommend simple techniques like burping several times or keeping infants in upright position after feeding. In severe cases of acid reflux in infants, they may prescribe a drug that would solve the problem.
If your child is older, then his irregular eating habits or long spells of hunger may also cause acid reflux disease. In older children doctor may recommend avoiding soda with caffeine, chocolate or peppermint, spicy food like pizza and burgers, acidic foods like tomatoes and oranges. They may also ask you to avoid giving fatty or fried food. Children with acid reflux problems should also avoid taking food just before going to bed. There should be considerable span of time between dinner and sleep time.
Other factors that may induce the acid reflux disease as pregnancy, obesity, alcohol, smoking, etc. Certain foods like citrus fruits, spicy food, chocolates, caffeine, and mint flavored food may also induce acid reflux problems.

Treating Acid Reflux Problems

In normal cases, you can treat your acid reflux disease with a change in lifestyle. Long spells of hunger should be avoided at all times. If you can restrain yourself from smoking, you should stop it at once. Do not consume alcohol just before going to bed. Treat your overweight problem and do regular exercise. This would prevent proper digestion of food and food would pass through the gastrointestinal canal smoothly. Tight fitting clothes, lying down after meals or eating spicy foods should also be avoided. Try to eat something sweet after the meals. Eat small meals and raise the head of your bed at least 6-8 inches. Do not use extra pillows under your neck but raise the bed completely from one side.
There are also various medicines for treating heartburn available. Your physician may also prescribe OTC antacids for your acid reflux problem. These antacids would help in stopping the acid production or loosening your muscles to empty your stomach. However, some antacids may have side effects too. For example, Magnesium salts may lead to diarrhea. On the other hand, aluminum salts or calcium may lead to constipation. These should be taken in combination so balance the effect.

Long Term Effects of Acid Reflux

Although GERD may not seem to be such a hazardous disease but recurring acid reflux problems may lead to other complications eventually. You may have inflammation in esophagus which may lead to ulcer and bleeding. Consistent acid in the alimentary canal may also cause scars and tissue damage to the internal lining of the esophagus and stomach. Any scar in esophagus may make it difficult for a person to swallow anything. Some people may develop Barrett’s esophagus where the esophageal cells may take abnormal shape and color. This may eventually lead to cancer. Constant GERD problems may also lead to chronic cough, asthma or pulmonary fibrosis.

Just remember, Philadelphia has a modern lifestyle but the city also has well-equipped medicinal facilities and one of the best GI physicians. If you have heartburn more than twice a week or indigestion, just visit your nearest doctor to take appropriate guidance. You or your child may have acid reflux disease which is perfectly curable.