Acid reflux is a common yet distressing condition that primarily affects individuals, especially adults. It usually occurs when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Acid reflux can be very discomforting!
Medically, acid reflux is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which affects between 7.6% and 30% of Indians. It gets triggered due to spicy food, non-vegetarian diets, and the presence of H. pylori bacteria as common risk factors.
Several factors can lead to acid reflux.
-
Unhealthy lifestyle habits
-
Pre-existing medical conditions
-
Eating large meals
-
Smoking & Alcohol consumption
-
Being Overweight
-
Too much intake of Carbonated soft drinks
-
Excessive Caffeine Intake
-
Pre-existing bacterial conditions
-
Hiatal hernia
-
Pregnancy
-
Resting down right after eating
-
Eating fatty or spicy foods
However, besides lifestyle factors and pre-existing bacterial conditions, some experts claim that acid reflux can be more prevalent in people with a family history of this condition.
Can Acid Reflux Run In Families?
Unfortunately, acid reflux can run in families. The general health of the intestines and the strength and function of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) may be affected by genetic factors.
According to a 2018 study published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, researchers highlighted the significant influence of genes on GERD, sharing that a family history of the condition can increase a person’s risk by up to 31%. In some instances, families with similar lifestyles and eating patterns may also be more likely to have relatives who may experience acid reflux.
How To Prevent Acid Reflux If You Have A Family History?
People who have a family history of acid reflux disorder might benefit from taking certain precautions, such as eating smaller meals, keeping a healthy weight, avoiding lying down right after eating and raising the head during sleep.
Making changes to the diet and giving up smoking, alcohol, and caffeine can also prove beneficial. You may also want to consider your food choices, as certain foods, like spicy dishes, chocolate, peppermint, and acidic fruits like citrus, can trigger heartburn and acidity.
It is, therefore, advised for people with a family history of acid reflux to take precautionary measures and manage the risk factors that may trigger acid reflux.
If the symptoms are persistent and do not go away with lifestyle changes, doctors may prescribe Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which lower stomach acid. In more severe situations, prescription medications may be required. Further surgery, such as fundoplication, is an option for those who do not respond to other treatments.
