Acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux, is a very common condition. Acid is produced in the stomach, as a normal part of digestion, and should normally remain there. Unfortunately, acid will sometimes "reflux" out of the stomach back into the esophagus, or swallowing passage that connects the throat to the stomach. When this happens, many different symptoms can occur.

The most common symptom is heartburn, that irritating, burning sensation in the upper middle part of the chest (remember this can also be a sign of heart disease). Other common symptoms include frequent belching, acidy or sour taste in the back of the throat, hoarseness, coughing, feeling of a lump in the throat, frequent throat-clearing, and waking up in the middle of the night feeling as though your throat is closing up.

Most people experience some degree of acid reflux under certain circumstances. There are, however, certain factors that predispose some people to experience it more frequently. For example, there are several foods that are known to "loosen" the valve that normally functions as a one-way valve to keep acid in the stomach. Caffeine, in any form, is notorious for having this effect. Coffee, tea, soda pops (cola and some non-cola drinks that have added caffeine) and chocolate will all make acid reflux worse. Tobacco products also are known to have a similar effect. Mints, particularly peppermint, have a relaxing effect on the stomach "valve" and can cause acid reflux.

In some cases, acid reflux is more related to behavior than to what is ingested. People who eat large meals a short time before bedtime are more prone to suffer from the effects of reflux. Lying down flat on a full stomach takes advantage of gravity's effect on stomach acid and can worsen acid reflux. This is especially true in the obese.

The good news is that most cases of acid reflux can be treated with simple changes in lifestyle. Cutting down on caffeinated beverages, tobacco use, chocolate and mints; weight loss; and an earlier dinner time can all be extremely effective. Some people who need a little extra help can often find improvement if they prop the head of their bed up or sleep with several pillows in order to have the stomach well below the head. Over-the-counter antacids can help neutralize stomach acid so that it is not as irritating. For more difficult cases, prescription antacids can make a big difference. In rare cases, surgery that "tightens" the stomach valve is necessary.

Acid reflux is very common, but in most cases can be cured with some simple lifestyle changes. If you suffer from the symptoms of acid reflux and do not find relief with these measures, or if you think your symptoms may be from another cause, see your doctor for more information.

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