Our digestive system is equipped with a highly acidic liquid that helps break down food in the stomach. However, when this acid flows back into the oesophagus, it leads to uncomfortable symptoms known as acid reflux. And the main issue with acid reflux is that it often strikes without warning, causing discomfort and concern.
In Singapore, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is notably increasing, according to reports in The Straits Times. This rise is partially due to greater public awareness, leading more individuals to seek medical advice. Lifestyle changes have also contributed significantly to the increase. Today, factors such as heightened stress, frequent consumption of caffeinated or carbonated beverages, alcohol, and diets rich in calories and fat are commonplace. Notably, doctors and pharmacists observe a surge in demand for heartburn-relief medications during festive seasons marked by overeating and increased social gatherings.
These trends underscore a growing health concern among the Singaporean population, making it crucial to understand not just the “what” but also the “why” behind acid reflux and how it can be effectively managed, even through holistic approaches.
Symptoms and Causes: Decoding the Discomfort
Experiencing sudden acid reflux can be unsettling. Often, it feels like a sudden burning in the chest, but it involves more than discomfort—it could disrupt your daily life. But what really lies behind this fiery sensation and how does it connect to your overall health?
What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux occurs when the contents in the stomach flow back up into the oesophagus, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most common signs that you might be experiencing acid reflux or its chronic form, GERD:
- Heartburn: This unpleasant sensation, often described as a burning in the chest that can last for hours after eating, is typically felt just behind the breastbone.
- Regurgitation: A burning sensation, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste, may arise as gastric acid travels back up into the throat or mouth.
- Chest pain: Occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of the oesophagus.
- Sour taste in the mouth: Often noticeable in the morning or after eating, due to acid reflux during the night or after meals.
- Additional symptoms might include:
- Persistent cough or hiccups that return frequently.
- Hoarseness or a chronic sore throat, particularly noticeable in the mornings.
- Feeling of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
- Bad breath and dental erosion due to the acid in your mouth.
- Respiratory symptoms like wheezing, chronic cough, or shortness of breath, especially if acid makes its way into the airways.
Do Babies Get GERD?
It’s also not unusual for infants to experience some form of regurgitation during their first months. While it’s common for babies to spit up a little after feeding, those with GERD might show more severe reactions that can affect their overall comfort and feeding routines. Premature infants or those with conditions impacting the oesophagus are particularly susceptible. Some behaviours to watch for in babies that may suggest more than just typical spit-up:
- Persistent Fussiness
- Disrupted Sleep
- Reluctance or Refusal to Feed
- Frequent Vomiting
- Respiratory Symptoms
- Persistent Bad Breath
What Causes Acid Reflux?
So, what could be the reason behind you getting heartburn all of a sudden?
Acid reflux typically occurs when the sphincter muscle that acts like a valve between your oesophagus and stomach doesn’t function properly. Normally, this ‘valve’ opens to allow food to enter the stomach and contracts to prevent the contents from rising up. But if this muscle weakens or relaxes inappropriately, gastric acid can travel back up into the oesophagus, causing the discomfort known as heartburn.
Several factors can trigger this malfunction of the muscle:
- Hiatal Hernia: This frequent issue arises when the upper stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, disrupting muscle function and increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.
- Pregnancy: Increased abdominal pressure and hormonal changes in pregnancy can temporarily weaken the sphincter muscle.
- Obesity: Similar to pregnancy, extra body weight can increase abdominal pressure, which can weaken the sphincter muscle and exacerbate acid reflux.
- Smoking: Smoking and even secondhand smoke exposure can relax the sphincter muscle and worsen acid reflux symptoms.
But that might not be the end of it all. In fact, long-term or frequent exposure to these factors can potentially lead to chronic GERD, where acid reflux symptoms become more persistent and can cause more significant health issues if not managed properly.
Other contributing factors include:
- Dietary Habits: Consuming large meals or lying down right after eating can trigger reflux.
- Certain Medications: Some drugs, including certain muscle relaxants, blood pressure medications, and anti-inflammatories, can relax the LES and increase reflux risk.
Can Foods Cause Acid Reflux?
While food alone might not trigger acid reflux, certain types can definitely exacerbate it. This is mainly because some foods and drinks may have the ability to relax the sphincter muscle, which can allow gastric acid to escape into the oesophagus, leading to that uncomfortable burning sensation.
Some common foods that are known to aggravate acid reflux:
- Chocolate, Coffee, and Alcohol
- Fatty Foods
- Spicy Foods
- Acidic Foods:
- Garlic and Onions
- Min
- Processed Snacks
So if you are dealing with heartburn everyday, maybe look to your diet to see if any of these foods could potentially be the cause.
Causes of Acid Reflux: A TCM Perspective
So, what causes acid reflux from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? In TCM, gastric reflux is seen not just as a stomach issue but as a sign of imbalance between several organs, primarily the stomach, spleen and the liver.
From a TCM standpoint, gastric reflux and related symptoms like heartburn are often linked to disharmony in the stomach and liver functions. The liver, responsible for the flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, can adversely affect the stomach if it’s not functioning properly. For instance, emotional distress can disrupt liver function, which in turn can interfere with stomach Qi, leading to reflux. This disharmony can be triggered by factors such as an irregular diet, emotional stress, or the invasion of external elements that negatively affect the body’s natural balance.
Additionally, TCM identifies other pathological factors contributing to acid reflux, such as internal heat or fire, phlegm accumulation, and Qi stagnation.
The Possible Complications of Chronic Acid Reflux and GERD
When acid reflux becomes a frequent visitor, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious health issues if not addressed. The same applies to GERD, which can cause more than temporary discomfort; it can trigger lasting damage to your oesophagus and beyond.
This is because prolonged exposure to stomach acids can severely irritate the oesophagus, leading to an inflammation of the oesophagus. If left unchecked, this inflammation can potentially evolve into more serious complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus—an alteration in the cells lining the oesophagus, which can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Moreover, the constant backflow of acid can cause the narrowing of the oesophagus, which complicates swallowing and can significantly affect your quality of life. There’s also a risk of dental problems, as acid reaching the mouth can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Management and Treatment: Finding Relief
Given the abovementioned potential outcomes, it’s crucial to manage acid reflux effectively to prevent such severe complications. Because if not managed properly, the strong stomach acid meant for digestion can harm other parts of your body that aren’t protected against its effects.
What is the Medical Treatment for GERD?
For those struggling with frequent acid reflux or GERD, lifestyle changes like modifying diet, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, and managing weight are often the first steps recommended by health professionals. When these adjustments aren’t enough, medical treatment becomes necessary. Commonly treatments prescribed by doctors include:
- Antacids: These offer quick relief by neutralising stomach acid.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications reduce the acid production in your stomach, providing more lasting relief compared to antacids.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter, preventing acid from travelling back up the oesophagus.
Addressing Acid Reflux with TCM
TCM provides a complementary approach to managing acid reflux by focusing on restoring balance within the body:
- Acupuncture: This practice can help relax the lower oesophagal sphincter and enhance stomach emptying, helping with the instances of reflux.
- Herbal Formulas: TCM practitioners may recommend specific herbal mixtures which are believed to regulate stomach function and alleviate symptoms. Formulas like Ban Xia Xie Xin Wan and Xiao Yao Wan are crafted to soothe the stomach and balance internal functions. Incorporating ingredients like Licorice Root and Fresh Ginger into your diet is also believed to mitigate heartburn and regulate stomach function.
- Food Therapy: Incorporating dietary practices that avoid trigger foods and include more cooling and bitter foods can be beneficial. Foods that trigger reflux, such as spicy and fatty foods, should also be avoided.
If you’re wondering whether acupuncture can help with acid reflux or you’re exploring holistic approaches for gastric issues, it might be worth considering TCM for gastric reflux as a complementary approach alongside conventional treatments. For those in Singapore dealing with persistent cough or phlegm alongside acid reflux, exploring TCM could provide additional relief and balance.
