Is it acid reflux or something else?

I recently had a conversation with a long-time friend and colleague, after seeing her "cry for help" on a Facebook post. A few minutes into the conversation it became clearer that she was having an acid reflux attack and the root cause of it, and in her case it was stress.

Acid Reflux affects some 60 million Americans at least once a month but for many, symptoms persist for months before they take any action to address it.

"Acid reflux disease, also known as Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), is a condition where acid from the stomach travels up into the oesophagus, causing ‘heartburn’ or acid in the back of the mouth. This happens if the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus is weak." You can read more here to learn more. That valve is designed to allow the passage of food to the stomach and closes immediately after to begin the breakdown process in the stomach.

While acid reflux or GERD is not life-threatening if left untreated can lead to more serious outcomes. It is also important for women to understand the symptoms because they can mimic those of a heart attack and are often ignored and I have heard of persons treating it with over the counter drugs or home remedies when they should have been seeking medical help. This is not to scare you but to make you aware.

Tip #1 - Look out for common symptoms

Symptoms such as -

• Acid indigestion feels as if it is moving up from your stomach. It's an uncomfortable, sometimes painful and burning feeling and tends to occur after you've eaten.

• Regurgitation is the reflux action of stomach acids coming up the oesophagus and at times into the mouth.

• Dyspepsia is stomach discomfort, bloating, the feeling of fullness and vomiting, in some instances.

• Sore throat

• Hoarse Voice

• Nagging cough - having a post-nasal drip can be accompanied by a cough and could trigger an acid reflux attack. If you have sinus issues it is important to address them.

If these symptoms occur more than once a week, month, or even more frequently, this should ring alarm bells for you.

Tip #2 - Know what's driving the attack.

When you get the attack it is just as important to know why it's happening. Here are some reasons why you may be experiencing reflux.

• The foods you are eating

• Hormonal changes - menopause and pregnancy are key times digestive changes can occur

• Mental and Emotional stress - common in many cases

• Changes in body weight can influence symptoms

• Oestrogen and oestrogen receptors play a role in this as well. Female sex hormones relax the lower oesophageal valve causing reflux

• Are you an HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) user? This too may be the cause of it as there is a correlation between the two.

Knowing what is driving the attack can assist in the management of symptoms but most times we seldom join the dots as it often feels random and out of the blue. When it comes to the foods, it may take some trial and error, food elimination and re-introduction to understand the irritant.

Tip #3 - Know when you should seek help

It is important you know your risks. It is important to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack in both men and women because having this information can save your life. It is time to seek medical attention when your symptoms persist despite all you've done -

• Have a history of heart disease

• You are a woman of menopausal age and you have been prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy)

• You are pregnant

• Symptoms for more than 3 weeks

• When lifestyle changes and OTC medicines are not working

• Food keeps getting stuck in your throat and you're vomiting

• Losing weight for no reason

Finally...........

Acid reflux is treatable and symptoms should not be ignored. Not receiving timely treatment and having prolonged symptoms, can lead to the following -

• Oesophageal Cancer and Ulcers

• Aspiration Pneumonia

• Barrett's Oesophagus

When our bodies are crying out, we should not ignore it. Digestive issues are often treatable when addressed at first symptoms, which unfortunately are often ignored. Get to know your triggers as stress is a big one.

If you would like to learn more

I am hosting a masterclass on Managing Acid Reflux and if you would like to learn how you can manage your symptoms or those of your loved ones, this class is for you. You can find more information here.

If you're not sure whether you have a gut health issue but you're having symptoms that you are unsure of, take the gut health quiz here.

Perhaps you would like to have a chat with me, you can book a FREE 15-minute call with me here.

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