About 4 million Americans suffer from acid reflux at some point in their lives. This digestive condition can be caused by several factors. Lifestyle, pregnancy, heredity, and the use of certain medications can all lead to acid reflux in adults.
Women who have had babies are twice as likely to suffer from acid reflux than women who have not. They also have a much higher incidence of acid reflux during pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding are more prone to suffer from this condition than are non-breast-feeding women.
Obesity is also a factor in the development of acid reflux. Those who are obese tend to develop heartburn more often, which can lead to a more severe type of this condition. People who are overweight or obese should definitely talk to their doctor about how to lose weight. They may need to get recommended lifestyle changes as a way to address their acid reflux problems.
In fact, adult menopause can actually worsen the development of acid reflux. During menopause, the production of estrogen is reduced, so an increase in acid production is common. As estrogen levels go back up after menopause, the production of acid is even more of a problem.
There are several causes of adult acid reflux, but not all of them have anything to do with heartburn. When you suffer from heartburn, it can be hard to figure out exactly what is causing it. It can make sense to stop eating foods that are triggering your symptoms.
Stress can also aggravate your acid reflux. Too much stress can lead to acid reflux as well as other conditions such as acid reflux due to emotional upset. Sometimes simply making sure that you are always able to find a way to relax can help with your acid reflux.
Lack of sleep is another reason why some people suffer from acid reflux symptoms. Many doctors would recommend that if you are having acid reflux, you should try to get a good amount of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep will help prevent or reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Long-term smoking can also be a factor in the development of acid reflux. When you smoke, the chemicals in cigarette smoke may contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux in adults. You should definitely talk to your doctor about stopping smoking if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Some medications that are taken orally can cause acid reflux. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antacids, and NSAIDs can all cause you to suffer from acid reflux. When you are taking these medications, you should either avoid eating spicy foods, spicy foods should only be consumed in moderation, or you should not eat a lot of them altogether.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also lead to acid reflux. If you use these medications, make sure that you check with your doctor first before taking them. Certain types of medication that can cause problems can be avoided if you are conscientious about which kinds of foods you consume.
Adult acid reflux can be a very serious condition. It can cause you to lose your appetite, suffer from headaches, and have even more serious complications. Make sure that you avoid this condition as much as possible because acid reflux can be caused by many factors.