How Much Acid Reflux Is Normal? Understanding When To Be Concerned About Your Reflux
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, roughly 60% of the population experiences acid reflux every year. Occasional acid reflux is a normal part of life, but what most patients don’t realize is that there’s a point where your reflux strays from “the norm” and starts to become a warning sign of a more serious chronic condition like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The problem is determining how much reflux is “normal” and how much is “too much”. One of the biggest questions that we get from patients is “how do I know how much reflux is too much?”, and it’s one we’re answering today here on the blog.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux happens when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. If the condition persists for weeks and months, it is termed Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). When this occurs, the person may suffer severe heartburn, pressure, and pain in the chest. Over time this medical condition can damage the esophageal tissue and may cause more severe health problems.
What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux?
Although symptoms can vary from patient to patient, some of the most common symptoms of acid reflux are:
• Vomiting.
• Bad breath.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Sensation of a lump in your throat.
• Chronic cough.
• Poor sleep.
• Difficulty breathing.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
There are various causes for acid reflux, including eating particular things like fats, spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes, dairy, or citrus fruits. Overeating or lying down too soon after eating can also trigger the effect. Some additional causes of acid reflux are:
• Obesity. Overweight individuals may experience acid reflux due to intense pressure on the abdomen.
• Pregnancy causes increased pressure on the abdomen and acid reflux.
• Some medications such as antihistamines, sedatives, antidepressants, and even aspirin can trigger acid reflux.
• Smoking is another cause of acid reflux.
• Hiatal hernia is another situation that may cause acid reflux as a complication.
Extreme stress can also increase the production of acid in the stomach and lead to acid reflux. Some patients experience acid reflux without any direct cause.
How Much Acid Reflux is Too Much?
It’s absolutely normal for people to experience bouts of acid reflux. This happens every time you burp, or after you’ve scarfed down a meal that was way too big for you! If you’re experiencing acid reflux on an occasional basis, that’s fine. If you notice that you’re starting to experience reflux symptoms on a regular basis (we’re talked 3 or more times a week) or that popping some Tums is starting to become a normal part of your day, then that’s a good sign that it’s time to speak to a reflux specialist. If left untreated, chronic acid reflux can result in other more serious conditions such as respiratory issues, esophageal stricture, esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus.
Chronic reflux can be frustrating to deal with, but the good news is that there are treatment options available! If you want to put your reflux and GERD behind you, schedule an appointment with a local reflux doctor and take the first step towards regaining your life.