Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and back of the mouth, as well as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you're experiencing acid reflux, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of it fast.
Some simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce acid reflux, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, eating smaller meals, and elevating your head while sleeping. Over-the-counter medications can also be helpful in reducing acid production and relieving symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe acid reflux.
In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of acid reflux in throat fast. We'll cover everything from lifestyle changes to over-the-counter medications and surgical treatments. So, if you're ready to say goodbye to acid reflux, keep reading!
How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux in Throat Fast
Here are 8 important points to help you get rid of acid reflux in throat fast:
- Avoid trigger foods
- Eat smaller meals
- Elevate your head
- Try OTC medications
- Consider surgery (rare)
- Wear loose clothing
- Avoid lying down after meals
- Quit smoking
By following these tips, you can quickly and effectively get rid of acid reflux in throat and enjoy a more comfortable life.
Avoid Trigger Foods
One of the most effective ways to get rid of acid reflux fast is to avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. Common trigger foods include:
- Fatty foods: Fatty foods, such as fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy products, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus.
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the esophagus and worsen acid reflux symptoms.
- Acidic foods and beverages: Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks, can also irritate the esophagus and trigger acid reflux.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can both relax the LES and worsen acid reflux.
It's important to keep a food journal to identify your specific trigger foods. Once you know what foods trigger your acid reflux, you can avoid them and reduce your symptoms.
Eat Smaller Meals
Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help to reduce acid reflux. When you eat a large meal, your stomach is more likely to produce excess acid. This can lead to acid reflux, especially if you lie down or bend over after eating.
By eating smaller meals, you can help to keep your stomach from producing too much acid. This will reduce your risk of acid reflux and its associated symptoms.
Here are some tips for eating smaller meals:
- Eat three small meals and two to three snacks throughout the day instead of two or three large meals.
- Choose nutrient-rich foods that will keep you feeling full and satisfied, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This will help your stomach to digest food more easily and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
- Avoid eating late at night. Give your stomach plenty of time to digest food before you lie down to sleep.
Eating smaller meals is a simple but effective way to reduce acid reflux and its symptoms. By following these tips, you can enjoy a more comfortable and symptom-free life.
Elevate Your Head
Elevating your head while sleeping can help to reduce acid reflux by preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When you lie down flat, stomach acid is more likely to move up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux.
To elevate your head while sleeping, you can use a wedge pillow or prop up your head with extra pillows. Aim to elevate your head by at least 6 inches.
You can also elevate your head by raising the head of your bed. To do this, place blocks or bricks under the legs of the head of your bed. You can also purchase a bed wedge that will elevate your head and upper body.
Elevating your head while sleeping is a simple but effective way to reduce acid reflux and its symptoms. By keeping your head elevated, you can help to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus and causing heartburn, regurgitation, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
If you have frequent acid reflux, talk to your doctor about other lifestyle changes and treatments that can help to reduce your symptoms.
Try OTC Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be helpful in reducing acid reflux symptoms. These medications work in different ways to reduce stomach acid production, neutralize stomach acid, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
- Antacids: Antacids, such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox, work by neutralizing stomach acid. They provide quick relief from heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. However, antacids do not last long, so they may need to be taken several times a day.
- H2 blockers: H2 blockers, such as Pepcid AC and Zantac, work by reducing stomach acid production. They are more effective than antacids at preventing acid reflux symptoms, but they can take longer to work.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, are the most powerful type of OTC acid reflux medication. They work by blocking the production of stomach acid. PPIs are effective at preventing and treating acid reflux symptoms, but they can be more expensive than other OTC medications.
- Prokinetics: Prokinetics, such as Reglan, work by increasing the motility of the stomach and intestines. This helps to move food and stomach acid through the digestive tract more quickly, reducing the risk of acid reflux.
It's important to talk to your doctor before taking any OTC acid reflux medications, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications. Some OTC acid reflux medications can interact with other medications, so it's important to be aware of potential side effects and drug interactions.
Consider Surgery (Rare)
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe acid reflux. Surgery is typically only considered if other treatments, such as lifestyle changes, medications, and endoscopic procedures, have failed to relieve symptoms.
There are two main types of surgery for acid reflux:
- Nissen fundoplication: This is the most common type of surgery for acid reflux. During a Nissen fundoplication, the surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This helps to tighten the LES and prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
- LINX procedure: The LINX procedure is a newer type of surgery for acid reflux. During a LINX procedure, the surgeon places a small titanium band around the LES. The band is filled with magnetic beads that hold the LES closed, preventing acid reflux.
Both Nissen fundoplication and the LINX procedure are effective at treating acid reflux. However, the LINX procedure is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. However, Nissen fundoplication is still the most widely performed surgery for acid reflux.
Surgery for acid reflux is a major operation, and it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before deciding whether or not to have surgery. Talk to your doctor about whether surgery is right for you.
Wear Loose Clothing
Wearing loose clothing can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms by reducing pressure on the abdomen. When you wear tight clothing, it can put pressure on your stomach and intestines, which can force stomach acid back up into the esophagus.
Loose clothing allows your stomach to expand more easily after eating, which can help to prevent acid reflux. It can also help to reduce bloating and discomfort.
Here are some tips for wearing loose clothing to help reduce acid reflux symptoms:
- Choose loose-fitting tops and pants that do not constrict your waist or abdomen.
- Avoid wearing tight belts or waistbands.
- If you are pregnant, wear maternity clothes that are designed to accommodate your growing belly.
- When exercising, wear loose-fitting workout clothes that allow for freedom of movement.
Wearing loose clothing is a simple but effective way to reduce acid reflux symptoms. By avoiding tight clothing that puts pressure on your abdomen, you can help to keep stomach acid where it belongs.
Avoid Lying Down After Meals
Lying down after meals can worsen acid reflux symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This is because gravity helps to keep stomach acid in the stomach when you are upright. When you lie down, gravity is no longer working in your favor, and stomach acid is more likely to move up into the esophagus.
- Wait at least 3 hours after eating before lying down: This gives your stomach time to empty and reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.
- Elevate your head and shoulders when you sleep: This helps to keep stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. You can do this by using a wedge pillow or propping up your head with extra pillows.
- Avoid eating large meals: Large meals can put pressure on your stomach and make it more likely for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.
- Avoid eating fatty or spicy foods before bed: These foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can lead to acid reflux.
By avoiding lying down after meals and following the other tips listed above, you can help to reduce your risk of acid reflux symptoms.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for acid reflux. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Smoking can also increase stomach acid production.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of acid reflux and its symptoms. Here are some tips for quitting smoking:
- Set a quit date: Choose a date in the near future when you will quit smoking. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about your decision so they can support you.
- Get rid of all cigarettes and tobacco products from your home, car, and workplace: This will make it easier to avoid temptation.
- Find a support group or counselor: There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, such as support groups, counseling, and online forums.
- Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications: NRT can help to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about which NRT products are right for you.
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is worth it for your health. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of acid reflux and its symptoms, as well as other serious health problems.
If you are struggling to quit smoking, talk to your doctor. There are many resources available to help you quit, and your doctor can help you find the right support for you.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of acid reflux in throat fast:
Question 1: What are some lifestyle changes I can make to reduce acid reflux?
Answer: Some lifestyle changes that can help to reduce acid reflux include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, elevating your head while sleeping, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding lying down after meals.
Question 2: What are some over-the-counter medications that can help with acid reflux?
Answer: Some over-the-counter medications that can help to reduce acid reflux include antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetics.
Question 3: When should I consider surgery for acid reflux?
Answer: Surgery for acid reflux is typically only considered if other treatments, such as lifestyle changes, medications, and endoscopic procedures, have failed to relieve symptoms.
Question 4: What can I do to quit smoking if I have acid reflux?
Answer: Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of acid reflux. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, such as support groups, counseling, and online forums.
Question 5: What are some natural remedies for acid reflux?
Answer: Some natural remedies that may help to reduce acid reflux include drinking aloe vera juice, eating licorice root, and taking deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements.
Question 6: What are some tips for managing acid reflux during pregnancy?
Answer: Some tips for managing acid reflux during pregnancy include eating small, frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, and sleeping on your left side.
Question 7: How long does it take for acid reflux to go away?
Answer: The amount of time it takes for acid reflux to go away depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment that is used. In some cases, acid reflux can be relieved within a few days or weeks. In other cases, it may take longer to see results.
If you have acid reflux, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for getting rid of acid reflux fast:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for getting rid of acid reflux fast:
Tip 1: Drink plenty of water:
Drinking plenty of water can help to dilute stomach acid and reduce acid reflux symptoms. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Tip 2: Avoid carbonated beverages:
Carbonated beverages can worsen acid reflux symptoms by causing gas and bloating. Avoid soda, beer, and other carbonated drinks.
Tip 3: Eat a healthy diet:
Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Choose lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Tip 4: Get regular exercise:
Getting regular exercise can help to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can help to prevent acid reflux. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Tip 5: Manage stress:
Stress can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Tip 6: Avoid alcohol:
Alcohol can relax the LES and worsen acid reflux symptoms. Avoid alcohol, especially before bed.
Tip 7: Elevate your feet when sitting:
Elevating your feet when sitting can help to reduce pressure on your abdomen and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Tip 8: Keep a food journal:
Keeping a food journal can help you to identify foods that trigger your acid reflux symptoms. Once you know what foods trigger your symptoms, you can avoid them.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of acid reflux and its symptoms.
If you have frequent or severe acid reflux, talk to your doctor. There are a number of effective treatments available for acid reflux.
Conclusion
Acid reflux is a common condition that can cause a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and back of the mouth. While acid reflux can be uncomfortable and mengganggu, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of it fast.
Some simple lifestyle changes that can help to reduce acid reflux include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, elevating your head while sleeping, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding lying down after meals. Over-the-counter medications can also be helpful in reducing acid production and relieving symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe acid reflux.
If you have frequent or severe acid reflux, talk to your doctor. There are a number of effective treatments available for acid reflux, and your doctor can help you find the best treatment for you.
In the meantime, you can try some of the tips provided in this article to help get rid of acid reflux fast. By following these tips, you can reduce your symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable life.
Remember, acid reflux is a common condition and it is treatable. Don't suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor today and get the help you need.