Acid reflux (also known as GERD) is one of the most common digestive system disorders; it happens when stomach acids go back up into the food pipe (esophagus) instead of staying inside the stomach.

This can cause a group of annoying symptoms ranging from mild heartburn in the chest to more severe symptoms that might affect the patient's daily life.

It is becoming more important to recognize the symptoms of severe acid reflux early, because having reflux for a long time can lead to health complications like inflammation of the food pipe or difficulty swallowing.

In this article, we will learn in detail about with Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sayegh, the causes of acid reflux, its symptoms in adults and children, ways to diagnose it, and the best available treatment choices.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a medical condition that happens when the valve between the stomach and the food pipe (the lower esophageal sphincter) becomes weak, which allows stomach acids to flow back up into the food pipe.

This repeated reflux can irritate the lining of the food pipe and lead to stomach reflux symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.

Normally, this valve stops food and acid from going back into the food pipe, but when there is a problem with it, the patient starts feeling the symptoms often.

Types of Acid Reflux

There is more than one type of acid reflux, and each type is different in how strong it is and how it affects the patient.

The most important types are the following:

1. Simple Reflux

It happens from time to time after eating large meals or fatty foods, and it can often be controlled by changing the diet.

2. Chronic (Long-lasting) Reflux

It happens often and can last for a long time; it usually needs regular medical treatment.

3. Silent Reflux

In this type, the patient might not feel the usual heartburn, but other symptoms appear, like a chronic cough or a hoarse voice.

Causes of Acid Reflux

There are many factors that can lead to getting acid reflux.

The most notable ones are:

  • Weakness in the lower food pipe valve.
  • Obesity and extra weight.
  • Eating a lot of fatty or spicy foods.
  • Smoking.
  • Pregnancy in women.
  • Eating large meals right before sleeping.
  • Hiatal hernia (the stomach pushing up through the diaphragm muscle).

These factors can increase the chance of acid reflux symptoms showing up often.

Symptoms of Severe Acid Reflux

The symptoms of severe acid reflux differ from one person to another, but there is a group of common symptoms that appear in most patients, including:

  • Severe heartburn in the chest, especially after eating.
  • A sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • A feeling of a lump in the throat.
  • Chest pain that might feel like heart pain.
  • Frequent burping.
  • Nausea.
  • Chronic cough.
  • A hoarse voice, especially in the morning.

In some cases, symptoms of severe food pipe inflammation might appear as a result of repeated exposure to stomach acids.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children

Children can also get acid reflux, and they might show some symptoms like the following:

  • Frequent vomiting after eating.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Crying during feeding.
  • Belly pain.
  • Difficulty gaining weight.

When noticing these symptoms, a doctor must be consulted to avoid complications.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Babies

Acid reflux is quite common in babies. The most notable symptoms are the following:

  • Frequent spitting up or vomiting after feeding.
  • Severe crying and discomfort.
  • Arching the back during feeding.
  • Difficulty sleeping.

In many cases, the reflux goes away on its own as the baby grows, but if symptoms continue, you must see a doctor.

Complications of Acid Reflux

If acid reflux is not treated correctly, it can lead to several complications, including:

  • Chronic inflammation of the food pipe.
  • Narrowing of the food pipe.
  • Ulcers (sores) in the lining of the food pipe.
  • Changes in the cells of the food pipe that might increase the risk of food pipe cancer.

Therefore, it is important to treat acid reflux symptoms early.

How is Acid Reflux Diagnosed?

Diagnosing acid reflux relies on checking the symptoms and doing some medical tests, such as the following:

  • Upper endoscopy (using a small camera tube) to examine the food pipe and stomach.
  • Measuring the acid (pH) level in the food pipe.
  • Barium X-ray to check the movement of the food pipe.
  • Testing the food pipe's movement to see how well the valve works.

These tests help the doctor find out how severe the condition is and choose the right treatment.

Acid Reflux Treatment

The treatment for acid reflux depends on how severe the symptoms are and what is causing the disease. It includes:

1. Lifestyle Changes

  • Avoiding fatty and spicy foods.
  • Eating small meals.
  • Not lying down right after eating.
  • Raising the head while sleeping.
  • Losing weight.

2. Medical Treatment

It includes medicines that reduce stomach acid production or improve the movement of the digestive system.

3. Surgical Treatment

In some severe cases, the doctor might recommend surgery to treat the reflux permanently.

When Do We Need Acid Reflux Surgery?

The doctor might recommend surgery in the following cases:

  • When medical treatment fails to control the symptoms.
  • When complications happen, like a narrow food pipe.
  • Having a hiatal hernia.
  • The patient is relying on medicines for long periods without getting better.

What is the best surgery to fix acid reflux?

Laparoscopic fundoplication (keyhole surgery to wrap the stomach) is one of the most common surgeries to treat acid reflux.

In this surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the food pipe to strengthen the valve and stop acid from flowing back.

This surgery is known for:

  • Being minimally invasive.
  • Being done through small cuts.
  • Helping with a fast recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Risks of Acid Reflux Surgery

Even though the surgery is safe in most cases, some rare complications might happen, such as:

  • Temporary difficulty swallowing.
  • Bloating after eating.
  • Gas.
  • A chance of symptoms coming back in a few cases.

Choosing the right surgeon greatly reduces these risks.

In cases of severe obesity, what is the best surgery to get rid of obesity and treat acid reflux together?

In some cases where the patient suffers from severe obesity along with acid reflux, the doctor might recommend a gastric bypass surgery.

This surgery helps to:

  • Lose a lot of weight.
  • Reduce the stomach's pressure on the food pipe.
  • Improve reflux symptoms.

Food for Acid Reflux Patients

Diet plays an important role in reducing the symptoms of severe acid reflux. Foods that are good to eat include:

  • Fresh vegetables.
  • Non-citrus fruits like bananas and apples.
  • Oats and whole grains.
  • Lean meats (low in fat).
  • Low-fat yogurt.

While you should avoid:

  • Fatty and fried foods.
  • Chocolate.
  • Coffee and soft drinks (sodas).
  • Spicy foods.
  • Citrus fruits.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if the symptoms are

  • Happen more than twice a week.
  • Do not get better with medicines.
  • Are joined by difficulty swallowing or weight loss.

In this case, the patient needs a careful check-up by a specialized doctor.

Symptoms of severe acid reflux are an important warning sign that you must take care of your digestive health and not ignore the symptoms for long times.

Early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent many dangerous complications.

If you suffer from acid reflux symptoms often or severely, it is best to consult a specialized doctor like Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sayegh to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment for your condition.