Michelle Beaver

There are many opinions out there about how to treat acid reflux. It can get confusing! Particularly confusing is the fact that what triggers one person's reflux may not trigger yours. This Cheat Sheet breaks down the bulk of what you need to know so you can reduce your reflux without getting a headache.What causes acid reflux?

Barrett’s esophagus is a serious condition that involves the tissue lining the esophagus. The exact cause of Barrett’s has not been discovered, but acid reflux, and especially gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), puts you at a greater risk of developing it. You’re not likely to develop Barrett’s if you have infrequent or mild reflux, but severe cases of GERD have been shown to significantly raise the risk.

Asthma and acid reflux often go hand in hand, although the exact link between the two has been hard for physicians to determine. In fact, approximately 75 percent of people who suffer from asthma also experience frequent heartburn or have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People who have asthma are more than twice as likely to develop GERD as those who don’t.

Coughing may not sound like a big deal. Everyone coughs from time to time. Yes, it can hurt and make your throat feel raw and dry, but it’ll feel better in a few days, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case for many people with acid reflux–related coughs. First, the discomfort and irritation that results from constant coughing can be more severe.

Prokinetics focus on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This type of medication is aimed at addressing the root cause of acid reflux instead of simply reducing symptoms. Prokinetics are available by prescription only and come in liquid, tablet, IV, and subcutaneous injection form. They’re often used in conjunction with other acid reflux and GERD medications, such as H2 receptor antagonists and Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Acid reflux is dangerous because it's linked with several serious, life-threatening medical conditions. One of the more serious conditions associated with reflux is esophageal stricture (a narrowing of the esophagus). This condition can make it difficult to swallow and may require surgery. Even more serious is Barrett's esophagus, a mutation of the cells that line the esophagus.

The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies to acid reflux: It's better to prevent acid reflux than to treat it. When you get acid reflux, if you keep doing whatever gave you the ailment, you'll keep getting the ailment, and eventually there will be consequences beyond discomfort and pain.

The terms acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference among these three digestive disorders: Acid reflux is the reason you have heartburn. It is the underlying condition that allows stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. Reflux is the result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Acid reflux is the result of a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a small ring of muscles between the esophagus and stomach. When functioning correctly, it opens to allow food and fluid to pass down into the stomach, and then closes promptly. Acid is not supposed to flow upward — and when it does, reflux.