The 411 on Acid Reflux Chest Pain

Many a suspect heart attack victim has been sent home with instructions on dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But just what makes the chest feel like the heart is stopping when acid reflux chest pain sets in? And, as in the case of real heart pain and the instant relief of a nitro glycerin tablet, what can be done to combat the suffocating feel of an onset of GERD?

If GERD is left untreated, it can harm the body more than one may think. The continuous leakage of stomach acid into the esophagus causes irritation, lesions and even a form of cancer. If the acid is not neutralized, it can lead to a bleeding ulcer, which is considerably more painful than plain old GERD.

The most important way to deal with acid reflux chest pain is to regulate your intake of food. Smaller portions are key to this regulation. By eating smaller portions more times in the day, you train the body to digest food more efficiently. Avoiding spicy and citric foods help combat GER too. By keeping something small in the stomach, you can reduce the amount of acid produced. Finally, alcohol and cigarettes are two major causes of GERD that often go overlooked; avoiding these may help you as well.

Excessive weight can cause food to slosh back into the esophagus. Controlling diet for GERD may also help control weight. Ask your doctor for a special diet plan. And your doctor may also have medical treatments that include medication and even surgical correction of the LES valve.

Some drugs can even cause GERD. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen are known to commonly cause peptic ulcers. Sedatives, potassium, some antibiotics also are known culprits. Treatments for high blood pressure, Parkinson’s Disease, osteoporosis and asthma can also aggravate the GER condition, so ask your doctor about safe alternatives to your medications.

It’s important to remember that the next time you experience acid reflux chest pain, don’t panic; chances are you’re not having a heart attack. Of course you’ll want to see your doctor to rule out any heart problems and to get proper treatment for your acid reflux. Left untreated, it can be as dangerous as a heart attack itself.