Acid reflux is not a dangerous disease. However, if left untreated, it can develop into chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When it develops into GERD, you are at risk of health complications such as sinus inflammation, esophagitis, and even esophageal cancer.

To avoid acid reflux complications, there are several things you can do daily.

What is acid reflux disease?

Between the esophagus and the stomach, there is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This valve usually closes immediately after food passes through it. When the LES valve does not close properly, stomach acid can rise back up into the esophagus. At this point, you experience symptoms such as burning discomfort in the chest, known as heartburn.

When these acid reflux symptoms occur more than twice a week, the condition is medically known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Good habits to prevent acid reflux complications

Before it develops into GERD and increases the risk of esophageal cancer, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This healthy lifestyle can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of GERD.

Avoid foods that might trigger acid reflux

Avoiding foods that may trigger stomach acid is important to maintain stomach health and prevent symptoms like nausea and acid reflux. Foods to avoid include:

• Fried foods
• Fatty foods
• Acidic foods
• Spicy foods
• Peppermint
• Tomato sauce
• Onions
• Lime
• Dark chocolate

Improve your dietary habits

If you enjoy eating late at night, you should stop this habit. Limit your eating time to at least 2–3 hours before bedtime to give your digestive system enough time to properly digest the food. Additionally, you need to eat in small portions and chew slowly to prevent stomach acid reflux.

Lose body weight

Being overweight or obese can increase pressure within the abdomen, disrupt stomach emptying, and lower the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). As a result, stomach acid is more likely to reflux back into the esophagus.

Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can cause acid reflux. Alcohol and caffeine stimulate the production of stomach acid and exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux, such as gastritis and heartburn. Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and other spirits can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks also increase stomach acid production and can aggravate acid reflux symptoms.

Sleep in higher-head position using pillow

If acid reflux strikes at night, change your sleeping position by elevating your head higher than your stomach. This position helps prevent stomach acid reflux into the esophagus.

Additionally, it's recommended to wear loose clothing to avoid putting pressure on your stomach, which can cause acid reflux.

Experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week indicates that your symptoms have progressed to GERD. At this point, you should consult a doctor to get medication to help manage your acid reflux. Proper treatment will help ensure that your daily activities are not disrupted.

If you need other medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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