Acid Reflux: 5 Reasons It Is Getting Worse

Acid reflux is a bodily occurrence when the acid in your stomach flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in your chest and throat. You may have experienced acid reflux in the past and treated it with over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Alka-Seltzer.

While occasional and mild acid reflux is common, chronic or severe acid reflux can be a cause for concern. Not only is it uncomfortable and disrupts your daily life, but it can also lead to more serious esophageal health problems.

Let’s discuss 5 reasons why acid reflux gets worse and what virtual doctors recommend not to do to avoid exacerbating the condition.

1. Eating Trigger Foods

Certain foods can trigger your acid reflux and make the symptoms worse. Foods that are high in fat, spiciness, or acidity can irritate the stomach and esophagus, triggering acid reflux.

Foods such as citrus fruits, fried foods, tomatoes, caffeine, and chocolate are common culprits. Not only do they trigger acid reflux, but they can make it worse. Avoid aggravating your condition, by identifying your trigger foods and limit your intake of them.

2. Overeating

Overeating is another common reason acid reflux gets worse. When you eat too much, your stomach produces more acid to digest the extra food, which can lead to reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and prevent it from getting worse.

3. Alcohol Consumption & Smoking

Alcohol and smoking can also exacerbate acid reflux. Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus.

This relaxed sphincter can cause the acid in your stomach to flow back up into the esophagus much more easily, resulting in acid reflux. Similarly, smoking can also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to flow back up into your esophagus.

4. Stress

Stress is another contributor and reason why acid reflux gets worse. When you are stressed, your body produces more stomach acid, which can lead to reflux. Moreover, stress can cause you to eat more quickly or eat unhealthy foods, both of which are capable of exacerbating your acid reflux.

5. Lying Down After Eating/Eating While Lying Down

Lying down after eating or eating while lying down can also worsen acid reflux. When you lie down, gravity is no longer helping you pull the acid back down into your stomach, allowing it to flow back up into the esophagus more easily. To avoid this, you must avoid eating while laying down and wait at least three hours after eating before you lie down.

 

 

Final Thoughts

There are several reasons why acid reflux gets worse. The mentioned 5 are only the most prominent and common ones, and there are plenty more we can discuss another time.

For now, make sure to avoid the ones mentioned above and you should be able to prevent your acid reflux from getting worse.

If your acid reflux gets worse, you should consult your healthcare professional or a virtual doctor.

If you do not have health insurance or aren’t on a healthcare plan, you can still get affordable and convenient virtual doctor consultation and treatment from a trusted virtual doctor.

We highly recommend checking out TelMDCare for the best virtual doctor consultation. We are the go-to place for individuals looking for affordable online doctor visits, especially for those without health insurance.

You can easily book your virtual doctor appointment by calling 800-230-2050 today!