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Acid reflux is a common condition that happens when stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe (esophagus). Occasional acid reflux is normally not a cause for concern, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health complications. If you're frequently experiencing heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth, it's essential to take these symptoms seriously. Dr. Vikrant Kale, an expert gastroenterologist in Pune, explains why chronic acid reflux should not be ignored.



What is Chronic Acid Reflux?

Chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when the valve at the bottom of the esophagus doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. This can occur regularly, leading to persistent discomfort and damage to the lining of the esophagus.



Signs of Chronic Acid Reflux:



Frequent Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating or when lying down.

Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth caused by stomach acid backing up into the throat.

Difficulty Swallowing: A feel that food is stuck in the chest or throat.



Coughing and Wheezing: A persistent cough, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.

Chest Pain: Unexplained chest discomfort, which could be mistaken for heart problems.

Why Should You Not Ignore Chronic Acid Reflux?

Ignoring chronic acid reflux can lead to several health complications, including:

Increased Risk of Esophageal Damage: Over time, untreated acid reflux can cause irritation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. This can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), ulcers, and in severe cases, precancerous changes in the esophageal cells known as Barrett's esophagus. If left untreated, it can raise your risk of esophageal cancer.



Persistent Cough, Sore Throat, and Hoarseness: Chronic acid reflux often leads to signs beyond the digestive tract. Stomach acid can aggravate the throat, causing persistent cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. This can interfere with your ability to speak or even cause difficulty swallowing.



Worsening Asthma Symptoms: If you suffer from asthma, chronic acid reflux can make your symptoms worse. Acid reflux may irritate the airways, leading to more frequent asthma attacks, coughing, and wheezing. It's important to address both conditions effectively to enhance your overall respiratory health.

Dental Erosion: Frequent acid exposure can erode the enamel of your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and dental decay. If you notice your teeth becoming more sensitive or decaying, acid reflux could be the culprit.



Disrupting Your Sleep: Chronic acid reflux can severely disrupt your sleep, causing discomfort while lying down and leading to poor-quality sleep. This can affect your overall health and well-being, improving the risk of other conditions such as depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure.



Interfering with Quality of Life: The signs of chronic acid reflux - heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing - can interfere with daily activities, leading to a reduced quality of life. When left untreated, these symptoms can escalate, making simple tasks difficult and stressful.

How is Chronic Acid Reflux Treated?



Lifestyle Modifications:

Avoid Trigger Foods: Such as spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, and caffeine.

Eat Smaller Meals: Smaller, more frequent meals can relieve pressure on the stomach.

Elevate the Head of the Bed: Sleeping with your head raised can prevent acid from rising into the esophagus during the night.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts pressure on the stomach and improves the risk of acid reflux.

Medications:

Antacids: Help neutralize stomach acid.

H2 Blockers: Lower acid production.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Inhibit acid production more effectively and heal the esophagus lining.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery such as fundoplication or LINX surgery may be advised to prevent acid reflux.