Acid reflux disease is when acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus). This may cause heartburn and other symptoms. A drug which reduces the amount of acid made in your stomach is a common treatment and usually works well. Some people take short courses of medication when symptoms flare up. Some people need long-term daily medication to keep symptoms away.

The symptoms of acid reflux and oesophagitis

Heartburn is the main symptom. This is a burning feeling which rises from the upper abdomen or lower chest up towards the neck. (It is confusing as it has nothing to do with the heart!)

Other common symptoms include: pain in the upper abdomen and chest, feeling sick, an acid taste in the mouth, bloating, belching, and a burning pain when you swallow hot drinks. Like heartburn, these symptoms tend to come and go, and tend to be worse after a meal.

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Advice to relief the acid reflux symptoms :

The following are commonly advised. However, there has been little research to prove how well these 'lifestyle' changes help to ease reflux.

• Smoking. The chemicals from cigarettes relax the sphincter muscle and make acid reflux more likely. Symptoms may ease if you are a smoker and stop smoking.

• Some foods and drinks may make reflux worse in some people. It is thought that some foods may relax the sphincter and allow more acid to reflux. It is difficult to be certain how much foods contribute. Let common sense be your guide. If it seems that a food is causing symptoms, then try avoiding it for a while to see if symptoms improve. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of making symptoms worse in some people include: peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks. Also, avoiding large volume meals may help.

• Some drugs may make symptoms worse. They may irritate the oesophagus, or relax the sphincter muscle and make acid reflux more likely. The most common culprits are anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen or aspirin). Others include: diazepam, theophylline, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine. But this is not an exhaustive list. Tell a doctor if you suspect that a drug is causing the symptoms, or making symptoms worse.

• Weight. If you are overweight it puts extra pressure on the stomach and encourages acid reflux. Losing some weight may ease the symptoms.

• Posture. Lying down or bending forward a lot during the day encourages reflux. Sitting hunched or wearing tight belts may put extra pressure on the stomach which may make any reflux worse.

• Bedtime. If symptoms recur most nights, the following may help:

• Go to bed with an empty, dry stomach. To do this, don't eat in the last three hours before bedtime, and don't drink in the last two hours before bedtime.

• If you are able, try raising the head of the bed by 10-20 cms (for example, with books or bricks under the bed's legs). This helps gravity to keep acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. If you do this do not use additional pillows, because this may increase abdominal pressure.

Medicines for acid reflux treatment

• Antacids

These are alkali liquids or tablets that neutralise the acid. A dose usually gives quick relief. There are many brands which you can buy. You can also get some on prescription. You can use antacids 'as required' for mild or infrequent bouts of heartburn.

• Acid-suppressing drugs

  1.H2 blockers include: cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine.

  2.Proton pump inhibitors include: omeprazole, lansoprazole,           pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole. 

• Prokinetic drugs

• Surgery

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