To know the symptoms and treatment of acid reflux, you should first understand what exactly this diagnosis means.  Acid reflux disease is commonly associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), but having one does not mean you absolutely have the other.   The stomach makes acid to aid in the breakdown of food particles.  Sometimes, if the stomach produces too much hydrochloric acid, it will creep back upward and actually get into the esophagus.  The lower esophageal sphincter, a tiny flap at the bottom of the esophagus, allows food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach.  If the sphincter gets too relaxed or the muscle is weakened food and acid have a greater chance to reflux upward.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The symptoms associated with acid reflux disease are many and vary in degree.  Some patient’s may experience mild indigestion and stomach bloating, while others can have severe a heartburn sensation, sore throat and even hoarseness.  Difficulty swallowing, tooth enamel erosion and respiratory complications are also potential complications.  Heartburn is the most common of all symptoms as the acid causes that burning sensation from the stomach and up as high as the throat.  The esophagus is not equipped with a protective lining like the stomach, therefore the erosive quality of the acid causes a great deal of pain.

Treatment Options for Acid Reflux

Just as the symptom list is wide and complex, so are the treatment options available for acid reflux disease.  The first thing to do is take an in-depth look at your diet and exercise regimen.  Foods high in fat and acid create a breeding ground for acid reflux.  Overweight people are at greater risk of developing acid reflux disease as well.  Avoid lying down right after eating and try to wait at least 2 to 3 hours.    

Herbal supplements and natural remedies have had quite an appealing success rate with treatment of acid reflux disease.  When used in conjunction with the lifestyle and diet recommendations above the chance of ridding acid reflux is even better. 

If the above lifestyle modifications do not help, your physician will probably recommend a medication for treatment.  There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications on the market today.  These medications are only designed for short-term use and are not cures.  They will aid in symptom relief, but when the medicine is discontinued the symptoms may return. 

Finally, and as a last resort, surgical intervention is an option.  Sometimes the disease is complicated by a hiatal hernia which also is corrected during the procedure.  Surgery is helpful, but not always a final cure.  The symptoms may or may not return and patient’s are required to continue medication for a period of time even after treatment.