Smoking & Acid Reflux: Consequences & Tips for Quitting

Smoking is not easy to quit, but we can't ignore its health-damaging effects, which impact all parts of our bodies. The digestive system, in particular acid reflux, is significantly affected by these damaging effects. Also referred to as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux is a widespread condition that can cause troublesome symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation. Knowing how difficult it can be to give up smoking, here are some tips and advice on how to quit, or at least cut down, and take advantage of the many short- and long-term improvements for your health and quality of life.

In this article, we'll look at the effects of smoking on GERD and how, thanks to useful tips, you can reap the benefits of this valuable investment.

• The Effects of Smoking on GERD
• Tips for Quitting Smoking
• Health & Well-being Benefits of Stopping Smoking
• Summary

The Effects of Smoking on GERD

While it is undeniable that smoking has devastating effects on health, the impacts on the digestive system, in particular on GORD, are generally neglected. They can manifest themselves in various ways:

Relaxation of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

LES is a muscle located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. Its key role is to hold the upper part of the stomach closed to prevent stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus. Because smoking weakens the LES, it is more difficult for this muscle to prevent stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus, increasing the risk of acid reflux. 

Increased Gastric Acid Production

Smoking stimulates the production of gastric acid. This excessive production increases the pressure inside the stomach and nearly always leads to a reflux of this acid into the esophagus. 

Chronic Cough

Chronic coughs develop in many smokers as a result of the airways irritation caused by cigarette smoke. Coughing frequently adds pressure on the LES, which weakens its capacity to maintain gastric acid inside the stomach.

Impaired Esophageal Motility

Smoking affects the capacity of the oesophagus to effectively move food and liquids to the stomach. This can result in delays in the passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach, causing acid reflux.

Reduced Production of Saliva

A further effect of smoking on digestive health is a reduction in saliva production, which plays a protective role in the digestive system.
Saliva contains alkaline substances that act to neutralise gastric acid and protect the lining of the oesophagus from acid damage. Reduced saliva implies less protection against acid reflux.

Esophageal Inflammation

Tobacco use causes inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, worsening the symptoms of acid reflux.
Symptoms such as a burning sensation (pyrosis) may be amplified and prolonged as a result of inflammation of the esophageal lining.

Considering the above, smoking has harmful impacts on various aspects of the digestive system, increasing the risk of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and aggravating symptoms. To reduce these effects and better manage gastro-esophageal reflux disease, it is essential to stop smoking.

Tips for Quitting Smoking

With the correct strategy and support, quitting smoking becomes more achievable and less daunting.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you adopt a smoke-free lifestyle:

• Set yourself a quit date: Choosing a date to quit smoking and sticking to it will provide you with a concrete goal to work towards.
• Identify your triggers: Take note of the circumstances, emotions or habits that encourage you to smoke. Identify ways of overcoming them or dealing with them differently.
• Seek social support: Social support such as talking to your friends and family about your intention to stop smoking is a valuable motivator.
• Consider a therapy or stop-smoking programme: Behavioural therapies, support groups and stop-smoking programmes are available to help you develop strategies for coping with cravings.
• Replace cigarettes with healthier alternatives: Cigarettes can be replaced by relaxing activities or nicotine-free chewing gum.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is beneficial to reduce cravings and improve your overall health.
• Avoid traps: Try to stay away from places where you could be tempted to smoke and avoid people who might encourage you to smoke.
• Remember why you're stopping: Keeping in mind the reasons why you decided to stop smoking will help you stay motivated, whether it's for your health, your family or your general well-being.

Never hesitate to ask for help! It will be an additional source of strength and support during this period, whether it's from friends or family, an association or a dedicated organisation. 

Health & Well-being Benefits of Stopping Smoking

Giving up smoking, even though it might appear complicated at first, is a worthwhile investment which will give you considerable benefits in terms of health and well-being:

• Better cardiovascular health: Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
• Improved breathing: Your lungs will begin to recover, enabling you to breathe easier and improve your lung capacity.
• Healthier skin: Stopping smoking help to promote healthier skin and an improved skin tone.
• Financial savings: You'll save considerable money by stopping buying cigarettes.
• Better quality of Iife: Without being restricted by smoking, you'll feel more energetic, fitter and better able to enjoy life.
• Reduced risk of cancer: Reduced risk of developing various types of cancer, particularly those of the lungs, throat and mouth, is another benefit of quitting smoking.
• Better relationships: You'll be able to enjoy social moments without having to go out to smoke.

Finally, your body and mind will thank you for saying goodbye to cigarettes!

Summary

Smoking and acid reflux are clearly linked, so being aware of its impact on digestive health is crucial. Quitting smoking might appear to be a huge challenge, but it's a significant step towards greater gastrointestinal and overall health. Besides relieving GERD symptoms, stopping smoking offers a wide range of other health benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of heart disease, cancer and lung disorders.