Ever had that annoying experience when your stomach decides to play a little game of reverse traffic and sends acid back up into your throat?

Yeah, that’s acid reflux, and if it happens too often, it can upgrade to a more serious thing called GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

The good news is many people can handle it with lifestyle changes and meds. However, a lucky few might choose the surgical route to kick those annoying symptoms to the curb.

In any case, if you are experiencing acid reflux way too often, it might be time for you to visit an expert on it. Let’s keep reading to know the nooks and crannies regarding the same.

The Symptoms of GERD/Acid Reflux

Alright, so your digestive system is like a one-way street, but sometimes things go a bit haywire. Picture this: there’s a muscle at the top of your stomach, and when it decides to slack off, stomach acid can sneak back up into your esophagus.

Now, this mischievous acid may not always give you that classic heartburn feeling, but it likes to hang out around the heart area, just to keep things interesting.

Sure, heartburn is the VIP symptom, but it’s not the only player in town.

You might also get some discomfort or pain when you’re trying to swallow, feel like breathing is putting up a bit of a fight, or even notice some not-so-friendly breath or taste in your mouth. And oh, nausea and vomiting might decide to join the party too.

Now, here’s the scoop: if this acid reflux party becomes a regular thing: like, more than twice a week for about a month or longer doctors might call it GERD. Lifestyle changes could be your superhero, swooping in to rescue you from the symptoms.

But sometimes, you might need the pros in white coats for some extra help. Life can be tricky, but so can your stomach, apparently!

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

No matter how good you are doing in your life, your body will always give away a sign or two if it’s dealing with something serious. So, it’s important for you to listen to it and consult with your doctor. Let’s learn more about what you need to keep an eye out for.

I: GERD Affects Your Frequently and Severely

So, imagine this: your stomach has a muscle superhero called the LES, and its job is to keep stomach acid in check. But, sometimes, it tends to lie down, and that acid decides to get active in your esophagus. Not cool, right? This can irritate your esophagus, cause inflammation, and lead to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It also brings some not-so-fun friends along:

• Heartburn (ouch!)
• Chest pain (the bad kind)
• Trouble swallowing (aka dysphagia)
• Surprise comebacks of food or sour liquid
• Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat

And if acid reflux messes with your sleep, you might also deal with coughing, laryngitis, asthma, and sleep struggles. If heartburn becomes a regular thing, it’s a good idea to chat with a doctor. They can help you kick GERD to the curb!

II: Some Information on Lifestyle Changes

Even when you are exercising regularly, GERD can still happen in some cases. Hence, you must ensure you’re doing the following to get better. But, if things aren’t changing even after you have done the following, it might be better for you to talk to a doctor.

• Easy on the Coffee: Yep, that morning cup of joe might be cozy, but too much caffeine chills with your LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter), letting stomach acid sneak up.
• Choco-Limit: Love chocolate? It’s cool, just don’t overdo it. The cocoa, caffeine, and friends in chocolate can team up to trigger acid reflux. Especially if you munch on it right before bedtime.
• Minty Fresh, Not Acidic: Peppermint, with its minty vibes, can be soothing but watch out for its menthol magic. It might relax your LES a bit too much. Try spearmint if you’re looking for a gentler minty fix.
• Loosen Up the Wardrobe: Tight clothes may be trendy, but they’re not your stomach’s friend. Tight pants can squish your stomach, giving acid a freeway to your esophagus.

Note: Exercise is a way to keep acid at bay, but heavy lifting or intense crunches can stir up trouble. Opt for workouts that don’t put too much pressure on your belly.