Acid reflux is when stomach acid reaches the feeding tube or esophagus. Normally this is prevented by a band of muscle in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is closed unless food needs to pass down from the gullet to the stomach. However, if the LES is too relaxed or opens frequently there can be an escape of stomach acid into your feeding tube. When this happens people can have unpleasant symptoms such as:
Typically this is made worse by eating, bending over or lying down.
We can class treatments into 3 categories. These are lifestyle modifications, medications and surgery. This is also the order that usually we follow i.e. if lifestyle changes fail to work, think about medications and if medications fail then consider surgery.
Treating acid reflux has a variety of options. Lifestyle modifications are the easiest to follow and are least likely to have detrimental effects. Limit the size of your meals and watch what you eat. Exercise appropriately. If you still need relief, consider medications. Most OTC medications are effective for many people but you may need to consult your doctor. In more severe cases surgery may be helpful.