Patricia Raymond

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?

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.

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.

When most people think about acid reflux, they immediately think of heartburn and use the words interchangeably. Although reflux and heartburn are related, they’re not the same thing. Heartburn is actually just a symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn is an uncomfortable or painful burning sensation in the chest that usually occurs after a meal.

Have you ever noticed that your acid reflux seems to kick in at the most inconvenient times? It could be just before a big meeting or when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep before a big speech. Well, it’s not a coincidence: Stress can trigger acid reflux. Stress doesn’t just affect your mind — it actually causes physiological changes in your body.

There are a wide variety of reasons why any particular drug goes from a prescription medication to an over-the-counter version. Some of these reasons are for the patient’s good; others are for the good of the drug manufacturer. For example, advertising for over-the-counter drugs have much lower standards for informing consumers about potential side effects, drug interactions, and new research.

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.