Acid Reflux Disease - Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment Methods
Basically, acid reflux or GERD is a fairly common disease worldwide. Its prevalence is approximately 11-38.8% among adults globally.[1] However, many people still do not fully understand its symptoms, triggers, and how to manage it.
This is because there are many facts and myths surrounding GERD in the community. Therefore, explore everything you need to know about GERD in the following explanation!
Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a digestive tract disorder that occurs in the ring of muscle between the gastric (stomach) and the esophagus. This muscle is called the esophageal sphincter, which has the primary function of preventing gastric acid from refluxing (flowing back) into the esophagus.
Under normal conditions, this muscle opens when you swallow food and closes again to prevent reflux. However, if there is a problem with the muscle, reflux is very likely to occur. This can lead to repeated vomiting and other respiratory problems.
Broadly speaking, the symptoms of acid reflux are quite easy to recognize, namely:
- Heartburn.
- Burning chest pain, starting from the spine area up to the neck and throat.
- The sensation of food coming back into the mouth, causing an acidic and bitter taste in the back of the throat.
- Bad breath, due to food re-entering the esophagus area.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Tooth enamel erosion.
- Coughing and sore throat (inflammation).
Additionally, there are also severe acid reflux symptoms, namely asthma and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to get professional help.
Causes of Acid Reflux

After knowing the symptoms, it is time for you to learn about the causes of acid reflux, which are as follows!
1. Obesity
The first thing that makes you prone to GERD is obesity or being overweight. This is because the extra weight on the body can put additional pressure on the stomach and cause more stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.[2]
2. Pregnancy
Increased pressure in the abdomen can occur not only with weight gain but also during pregnancy. This is why pregnant women are more susceptible to GERD than non-pregnant individuals. In fact, up to 80% of pregnant women experience GERD.[3]
Besides abdominal pressure, the spike in progesterone and estrogen hormones is believed to be a contributing factor to the high incidence of GERD in pregnant women. These hormones can decrease motility and cause slower stomach emptying, which makes acid reflux occur more frequently.
3. Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is a condition where the upper part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscular structure that aids in breathing and has a small valve called the hiatus, which the esophagus passes through before connecting to the stomach.[4]
Because part of the stomach pushes into this valve, acid inside can more easily reflux. This is what causes GERD to appear.
Generally, a hiatal hernia is a hereditary condition or related to aging factors. So, the popular belief that GERD is an inherited disease is a fact, not just a myth. However, in addition to hereditary factors, there are also other factors stemming from both internal (hormonal) and external sources.
4. Unhealthy Lifestyle
If you have an unhealthy lifestyle, the likelihood of developing GERD is higher. This relates to diet and sleep patterns. Excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcohol can also be contributing factors to the onset of GERD.
How to Treat Acid Reflux

Actually, the fastest and easiest way to treat acid reflux is by taking medication. There are many types of medication you can take, such as Antacids, H2 blockers, PPIs, or Prokinetics. However, if you cannot take generic medication, herbal medicine can be a solution.
One herbal medicine that is worth trying is Sido Muncul Natural Sari Kunyit Plus Soft Capsule. This medicine is made from turmeric and black pepper, which are proven effective in treating various types of stomach disorders, including GERD.
How to Prevent Acid Reflux

Besides treatment, preventing acid reflux is equally important. Unlike the myth that states GERD cannot be cured, you can actually easily prevent this disease. The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Because the source of this disease is in the stomach, it is important to have the right diet. Ensure the stomach is not empty, but also not excessively full. Therefore, the advice to eat a lot if you have GERD is merely a myth.
In fact, if you suffer from acid reflux, you only need to eat regularly in moderate portions. Additionally, consume foods containing turmeric and black pepper, whether in their natural form or as herbal supplements from Sido Muncul.