Private Treatment For Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is more than just heartburn – it can wreak havoc on your life.
Heartburn is just one routine symptom of acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Alongside many other symptoms, this condition can sometimes need surgical intervention to find relief.
Acid reflux causes and symptoms
Acid reflux occurs when your stomach’s contents move back up into your oesophagus (the muscular tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach). A ring of muscle known as the lower oesophageal sphincter is at the stomach’s entrance. When it’s functioning correctly, this muscle closes when food has passed through and into your stomach.
However, if the muscle doesn’t close all the way or stays open longer than it should, the acid produced by your stomach can move back up to your chest and throat.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux and can feel like a burning in your chest. Although heartburn can occur for several reasons, it may be a sign of acid reflux if it happens regularly.
Other acid reflux symptoms include:
- Bringing up stomach acid, especially when bending or lying down
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sensing a permanent lump in the throat
- Recurrent hiccups
- Nausea and vomiting
- Oesophagitis (a sore and inflamed oesophagus)
- Hoarseness and a persistent cough
- New or worsening asthma
- Inflamed vocal cords (laryngitis)
Sometimes, a hiatus hernia can cause acid reflux. In a hiatus hernia, the upper part of your stomach and the lower oesophageal sphincter have moved above your diaphragm. The result is acid regurgitation back up in your oesophagus.
How do doctors diagnose acid reflux?
Doctors can diagnose acid reflux in several ways, but the most common method is an upper endoscopy. It involves a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end (endoscope) inserted down your throat. The endoscope relays images of your oesophagus and stomach to a screen, showing any potential problems causing acid reflux.
A doctor will usually carry out endoscopies without anaesthetic, but they may sedate you.
A barium swallow test is another diagnostic technique. During the test, you swallow a harmless barium solution. A radiographer will take X-rays, and the barium will show on the images as it passes through your digestive system. Your doctor can identify any abnormalities causing acid reflux and diagnose the condition.
Sometimes, doctors can diagnose acid reflux from your symptoms alone.
