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Reflux is when any bodily fluids flow backwards, that is, in the reverse direction to that in which they are normally supposed to flow. The term acid reflux is usually used to describe a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, in which stomach acids rise up into the esophagus, due to some problem in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This is usually very uncomfortable, and can even be quite painful.
Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, but some patients also experience nausea and difficulty swallowing. In very severe cases that last for a long time, the constant irritation from the stomach acids may cause permanent damage to the esophagus. In this case, other symptoms such as cough and hoarseness may be present.
Sometimes the acid reflux can also reach the throat, in which case chronic reflux will even end up damaging tooth enamel.
You have not provided any details about your condition, such as how long you have had it, how severe the symptoms are, or even what the symptoms are. If you experience the rarer symptoms such as cough, hoarseness, and nausea, you should ideally get a medical diagnosis as soon as possible. Sometimes medication may be necessary to control acid reflux, and in very rare cases, surgery may be needed.
Mild cases of acid reflux can usually be managed quite well without medical treatment. The main aim is to prevent the stomach from secreting an excess of digestive juices. For this, the intake of fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, and chocolate should be limited, as these substances tend to stimulate production of stomach acid. Avoid consuming these substances too often, and when you do consume them, you should do so in small quantities. In general, meals should be small - you should eat several small meals a day instead of eating two or three large meals. This allows the stomach to properly digest a small amount of food at a time, without stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. You should also avoid lying down soon after a meal, as this makes acid reflux more likely to occur. Dinner should be had at least an hour, and preferably two hours, before going to bed. Finally, when sleeping, you should adopt a position in which your upper body is elevated. High pillows will not do, as they will only raise your head - you need to use bed risers, so that the whole head of your bed is slightly elevated.
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