What is the difference between bile reflux and acid reflux

Stress is also a factor that may increase reflux, therefore taking meditation or yoga classes may also be helpful. Your email address will not be published. Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Search for:. Los beneficios del ejercicio The Benefits of Exercise. Aceves Dr. Aceves Patients Dr. Alberto Aceves Dr. Alberto Aceves Patients Dr. Signs and symptoms of bile reflux and acid reflux are similar, resulting in difficulty distinguishing between the two.

The main symptom of both is frequent heartburn — a burning feeling in the chest or throat accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth. In some cases, bile reflux may also cause upper abdominal pain as a result of the bile irritating the stomach.

Treatment for both types of reflux usually begins with an acid-blocking drug, typically from a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. These medications decrease acid production in the stomach, reducing the amount of irritating fluid that flows into the esophagus. This significantly lessens the damage to the esophagus caused by reflux and often reduces symptoms of both bile and acid reflux.

In many people, acid-blocking drugs are all that's needed to effectively manage acid and bile reflux. Medications Ursodeoxycholic acid. This medication may lessen the frequency and severity of your symptoms. This medication can form a protective coating that protects the lining of the stomach and esophagus against bile reflux. Bile acid sequestrants. Doctors often prescribe bile acid sequestrants, which disrupt the circulation of bile, but studies show that these drugs are less effective than other treatments.

Side effects, such as bloating, may be severe. Surgical treatments Doctors may recommend surgery if medications fail to reduce severe symptoms or there are precancerous changes in your stomach or esophagus. The options include: Diversion surgery. During this type of surgery, a doctor creates a new connection for bile drainage farther down in the small intestine, diverting bile away from the stomach.

Anti-reflux surgery. The part of the stomach closest to the esophagus is wrapped and then sewn around the lower esophageal sphincter. This procedure strengthens the valve and can reduce acid reflux. However, there's little evidence about the surgery's effectiveness for bile reflux. But because many people experience both acid reflux and bile reflux, your symptoms may be eased by lifestyle changes: Stop smoking. Smoking increases the production of stomach acid and dries up saliva, which helps protect the esophagus.

Eat smaller meals. Eating smaller, more-frequent meals reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, helping to prevent the valve from opening at the wrong time. Stay upright after eating. After a meal, waiting two to three hours before lying down allows time for your stomach to empty. Limit fatty foods. High-fat meals relax the lower esophageal sphincter and slow the rate at which food leaves your stomach.

Avoid problem foods and beverages. Some foods increase the production of stomach acid and may relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Foods to avoid include caffeinated and carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus foods and juices, vinegar-based dressings, onions, tomato-based foods, spicy foods, and mint. Limit or avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and irritates the esophagus. Lose excess weight.

Heartburn and acid reflux are more likely to occur when excess weight puts added pressure on your stomach. Raise your bed. Sleeping with your upper body raised 4 to 6 inches 10 to 15 centimeters may help prevent reflux symptoms. Raising the head of your bed with blocks or sleeping on a foam wedge is more effective than is using extra pillows.

When you're under stress, digestion slows, possibly worsening reflux symptoms. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga, may help. What you can do Write down any symptoms you've been experiencing and for how long. Make a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking. Find a family member or friend who can come with you to the appointment, if possible.

Someone who accompanies you can help remember what the doctor says. For many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux drugs are the answer to their woes, curbing the chronic heartburn and regurgitation of food or sour liquid characteristic of the disorder.

Study authors say the findings provide new avenues for the prevention and treatment of the condition, which is the only known cause of a rare but often deadly type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Peters, M.