What is Acid Reflux?
At the entry point of the stomach lays a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. Acid Reflux happens when the valve does not close properly, or if it opens frequently allowing the stomach acid to move back into the esophagus. As the stomach acid moves through the esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation known as heartburn. The burning sensation can cause pain in the chest and throat. In addition, the acid can leave a bitter taste in the mouth or throat. When a person experiences acid reflux symptoms at least twice a week, the person is suffering from acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid Reflux Chest Pain
Burning sensations in the chest located in the breastbone area are common heartburn symptoms. These symptoms usually begin shortly after eating and can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours. The chest pain can be felt while lying down as well as when bending over.

The chest pain felt with heartburn can oftentimes feel similar to a heart attack. Generally speaking, antacids will relief the heartburn symptoms, and usually the chest pain will not spread to the arms, neck or shoulders as is common with a heart attack. In addition to chest pain, heart attacks may also include other warning signs such as a cold sweat, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, dizziness and a dull pressure in the center of the chest.
Medical attention should be sought immediately if a person experiences severe chest pain since symptoms of acid reflux are similar to the warning signs of a heart attack.

Acid Reflux Remedies
Making some basic lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux. To begin, avoid foods that trigger heartburn. Some common foods include tomatoes, onions, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus, carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee, and black pepper. In addition, eat smaller meals, take your time eating, do not overeat, and do not eat right before going to bed. It is recommended that a person wait a minimum of two hours after eating before going to bed.

Other lifestyle changes that will help reduce acid reflux include maintaining a healthy weight, stop smoking, drink plenty of water, and keep stress to a minimum.

There are a variety of natural remedies available that can help neutralize stomach acid and alleviate heartburn symptoms. Bananas and chamomile tea are natural antacids. In addition, adding a teaspoon of baking soda or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water can also help. One of the oldest natural heartburn remedies known is ginger. Ginger can be consumed as a tea, eaten raw, or added to a cooked meal.

Another interesting remedy is gum chewing. Chewing gum produces saliva which helps keep stomach acid from moving back towards the esophagus.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is comes in chewable tablets and capsules which can be dissolved in water. DGL is used to treat heartburn. People with hypertension should not take DGL.

When lifestyle changes and natural remedies are not enough, there are over the counter drugs and other treatment options available through your doctor.

For more information on the causes and cures of chest pain and acid reflux be sure to visit Reflux Remedy today!