Information Regarding Acid Reflux, a 'Common' Illness in the Workplace

If you are presented with a question about one of the most common diseases experienced by workers and urban communities, what comes to mind? Stomach acid must be at the top of the list of the most prevalent diseases afflicting office workers, among the many ailments.

According to an online article (suaramerdeka.com) published in 2021, this disease affected at least 4 million individuals. This is getting worse when education about acid reflux disease is still relatively low.

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What is acid reflux disease, exactly?

Acid reflux disease, also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, affects the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. The weakened muscle in the lower esophagus causes this section to open, allowing gastric acid to rise back up into the esophagus.

Actually, stomach acid elevation can occur multiple times. However, if this occurs frequently within a week, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In contrast, gastric acid does not rise into the esophagus when an ulcer is present.

Recognize the Causes & Symptoms

What are the triggers?

The cause of this increase in stomach acid is the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle to function properly, specifically by opening and closing to ensure that stomach contents do not return to the esophagus.

When this muscle weakens, stomach acid can ascend into the esophagus and cause an extremely unpleasant sensation.

However, there are additional causes that you must also be aware of, including:
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the abdomen protrudes into the thoracic region over the diaphragm. A portion of the diaphragm that is compromised can increase the likelihood that the LES muscle cannot function normally.

You have a propensity for consuming large portions, which causes distention of the upper stomach. Distension itself indicates that there is insufficient pressure on the LES muscle, which prevents the LES muscle from closing correctly. The practice of lying down too soon after a large supper. This behavior may appear straightforward, but it compromises the pressure required by the LES muscle.

Recognize the symptoms as early as possible

When you, or someone, experiences acid reflux disease or GERD, there are some symptoms that appear most often and can actually be recognized easily. The first obvious is heartburn, or a burning sensation in the chest. This sensation appears after eating, and worsens at night.

Some other symptoms are:

• Rise of stomach acid into the throat even to the mouth, or regurgitation
• Pain in the upper abdomen or chest
• Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia
• Sensation of lump in throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bad breath
• Difficulty breathing

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If you have any of these risk factors, you should be extra cautious!

After understanding the causes and triggers of acid reflux disease, you must be extra cautious if you have any of the risk factors listed below.

Risk factors for GERD include obesity, pregnant conditions, connective tissue disorders (eg scleroderma), an empty stomach for too long, smoking habits, eating habits in large portions or too night, consumption of fatty or fried foods that are too much, consumption of alcoholic beverages or coffee that is too much, to the consumption of certain drugs such as aspirin.

Some can be prevented, but others are unavoidable natural situations. As a result, it is preferable not to perform things that can be avoided. Change minor behaviours to lower your chances of developing acid reflux disease.

Treatment Steps for Acid Reflux Disease

GERD or acid reflux treatment options are available quite a lot, and can be done independently. For example, such as changing lifestyles to be healthier, to the consumption of medicine that are prescribed by a doctor.

First Steps to Self-Handling

For the initial stage after you can detect and confirm the presence of stomach acid disorders, some simple changes can be made and started from yourself.

• Maintain ideal body weight
• If you are a smoker, start working to reduce and quit smoking
• Avoid large and heavy meals at night
• Do not lie down immediately after eating, wait a few hours
• Elevate the position of the head while sleeping
• Avoid fatty, spicy, or high-acid foods
• It is better to eat small portions but more often

Step Two, Take Treatment

The lifestyle changes mentioned above will be a good first step. But when the progress of healing or recovering from acid reflux disease does not feel significant, you can start consulting a doctor to get more professional treatment.

Some medicine that are generally given to people with GERD or stomach acid are as follows.

• Antacids, recommended for mild GERD
• H2 receptor inhibitors, such as Pepcid AC which works to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced
• Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs, can help lower the amount of stomach acid produced, and work better than H2 receptor inhibitors

Ultimate Step, Operating Procedure

If acid reflux disease does not improve as well, then surgical procedures can be the last step used to overcome this health problem. But of course, you should do an in-depth consultation with a doctor you trust as a consideration before doing this procedure.

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Actually, stomach acid disease can be effectively treated by adopting a healthy lifestyle. However, there is a danger of complications and diseases that are more bothersome if not appropriately handled. Of course, additional operations in its therapy will be costly. You will also need to take the necessary precautions, such as acquiring a dependable Health Insurance policy from MAGI. MAGI offers a wide range of benefits to each individual who has insurance, in addition to the primary benefits. Ensure that every loved one has the best MAGI protection, and welcome a brighter future!

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Source: 

• https://www.ekahospital.com/better-healths/penyakit-dalam/gejala-penyakit-asam-lambung-yang-diwaspadai-dan-cara-mengatasinya
• https://www.suaramerdeka.com/gaya-hidup/pr-04171518/asam-lambung-kronis-penyebab-gerd-dialami-lebih-dari-4-juta-orang-indonesia
• https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/penyakit-asam-lambung