Frequent Acid Reflux? Learn the Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

By: dr. Laura Anasthasya, Sp.PD-FINASIM

Acid reflux is often considered a trivial digestive problem. However, if left untreated, this condition can disrupt daily activities, cause complications in the digestive tract, and even lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Many people assume that stomach acid is always harmful. In fact, stomach acid actually serves an important function in the body. Problems arise when stomach acid is overproduced or when it rises into the esophagus, causing various symptoms.

Understanding the function of stomach acid, the causes of disorders, and how to treat them can help prevent conditions from becoming more serious.

What is the Function of Stomach Acid?

Stomach acid is a natural fluid produced by the stomach and plays a vital role in the digestive process. Some of the main functions of stomach acid include:

• Helps digest protein by activating the enzyme pepsin.
• Helps absorb various nutrients, such as iron and calcium.
• It acts as a natural defense mechanism for the body by helping kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites that enter the body with food.

As long as it's produced in normal amounts and remains in the stomach, stomach acid has health benefits.

What Causes Excess Stomach Acid?

Excess stomach acid production can be triggered by various factors, including lifestyle and certain medical conditions. Some common causes include:

• Consuming spicy, acidic, and fatty foods.
• Excessive consumption of coffee, tea, or caffeinated beverages.
• Long-term use of certain medications, such as painkillers.
• Physical or psychological stress.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection.

Knowing the cause is crucial for appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux to Watch Out For

Acid reflux symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• A burning or burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
• Heartache.
• Nausea.
• A feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach.
• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

When stomach acid rises into the esophagus, known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), symptoms can become more severe and disrupt quality of life.

What are the Complications if Acid Reflux is Left Untreated?

Persistent GERD can cause irritation to the esophagus. In some cases, stomach acid can even reach the throat, causing a condition known as Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR).
This condition can cause various symptoms, such as:

• Chronic cough.
• Hoarseness.
• Recurrent sore throat.
• Sinusitis.
• Aggravation of asthma symptoms.

Furthermore, if a stomach ulcer or ulcers remain untreated for a long time, this condition can increase the risk of cell changes that could potentially become cancerous.

How to Relieve Acid Reflux?

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes play an important role in helping control symptoms. Some steps you can take include:

• Eat Small, More Frequent Meals
  Eat small portions every 2–3 hours to prevent your stomach from overworking itself.
• Adjust Your Sleeping Position
  When lying down, try to elevate your head by about 30 degrees to help prevent stomach acid from rising into your esophagus.
• Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
  Avoid clothing that is too tight, as it can increase pressure on your stomach.
• Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
  Excess weight can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, making acid reflux more likely.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
  Both of these habits can worsen acid reflux and interfere with the healing process.
• Manage Stress
  Physical and psychological stress can trigger or worsen acid reflux.

First Aid at Home

Some people use boiled turmeric water to help relieve symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or recur frequently, it's best to consult a doctor.

When is Further Testing Needed?

If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and medication, your doctor may recommend further tests based on the patient's condition. Possible tests include:

• Abdominal ultrasound, to assess for gallstones or other causes.
• Urea Breath Test, to detect Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, to directly view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

This examination helps the doctor determine the cause of the complaint so that more appropriate therapy can be provided.

Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Cured?

In many cases, acid reflux disease can be controlled or even cured if the cause is successfully addressed and triggering factors are avoided.

For patients with peptic ulcers, treatment usually takes around 8–12 weeks, depending on each patient's condition. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor's advice, take medications as prescribed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure optimal healing.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

See a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Frequent heartburn.
• A burning sensation in the chest that interferes with activity.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Repeated vomiting/vomiting blood.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Complaints that do not improve with self-treatment.
• Black stools.

Early detection can help prevent more serious complications.

FAQ

Is stomach acid always dangerous?
No. Stomach acid plays an important role in digestion and the body's defenses. Problems arise when it is overproduced or rises into the esophagus.

Is it true that drinking lemon in the morning can cure stomach acid?
Not necessarily. In some people, lemon can actually worsen symptoms, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.

Can stomach acid be completely cured?
Yes, if the cause is addressed, triggers are avoided, and the patient follows the doctor's recommended treatment.

When is an endoscopy necessary?
An endoscopy is usually considered if symptoms persist for a long time, do not improve with treatment, or if there are warning signs that require further evaluation.

Don't Ignore Stomach Acid Complaints

Frequent stomach acid complaints are not only uncomfortable but can also be a sign of a digestive tract disorder that requires medical attention.

If you experience recurring or persistent stomach acid complaints, don't hesitate to consult with Dr. Laura Anasthasya, Sp.PD-FINASIM and the Premier Jatinegara Hospital team.
With proper examination and appropriate treatment, acid reflux complaints can be controlled so that quality of life is maintained.

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