Water brash is a medical condition in which an individual produces excessive amounts of saliva due to the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
It is a symptom of GERD and other digestive disorders and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.
In this article, we will explore the definition, types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of water brash.
Water brash Types:
There are two types of water brash:
1. Acute water brash:
Acute water brash is a sudden onset of excessive saliva production.
It is usually caused by an underlying condition such as GERD or gastritis and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.
2. Chronic water brash:
Chronic water brash is a long-term condition in which an individual produces excessive amounts of saliva regularly.
It is usually caused by an underlying condition such as GERD or hiatal hernia and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and bad breath.
3. True water brash:
This type of water brash occurs when there is an excessive production of saliva in response to stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus.
The excessive saliva helps to neutralize the acid and protect the esophagus.
4. Symptomatic water brash:
This type of water brash is associated with other symptoms, such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
It is often caused by GERD or other digestive disorders.
Water brash Causes –
Water brash is caused by a backflow of stomach acid and digestive enzymes into the esophagus. some common causes include-
GERD:
GERD is the most common cause of water brash. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus, doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia:
This can cause the LES to become weak, leading to acid reflux and water brash.
Gastritis:
Gastritis is a condition that occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed.
It can be caused by infection, alcohol consumption, or certain medications. Gastritis can also cause water brash.
Peptic ulcer disease:
Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is damaged by acid and digestive enzymes.
This can cause water brash, as well as other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Pregnancy:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the muscles that control the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, leading to water brash and other symptoms of GERD.
Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can cause the body to produce more saliva, leading to water brash.
Medications:
Some medications, such as calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and anticholinergics, can cause water brash as a side effect.
Certain medical conditions:
Water brash can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as hiatal hernia, scleroderma, and gastroparesis.
Symptoms of Water Brash:
The most common symptom of water brash is excessive saliva production. This can cause a feeling of wetness or discomfort in the mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include:
Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs due to acidity.
Regurgitation: Regurgitation is the feeling of stomach contents (including acid and digestive enzymes) flowing back into the mouth.
Nausea: Nausea is a feeling of queasiness or discomfort in the stomach that may be accompanied by the urge to vomit.
Bad breath: Excessive saliva production can cause bad breath, as the saliva can mix with stomach acid and other digestive fluids.
Difficulty swallowing: In some cases, water brash can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to inflammation and irritation of the esophagus.
Risk factors for water brash :
Here are some common risk factors for water brash:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
People with GERD are at a higher risk of developing water brash. This is because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the stomach and esophagus, doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia:
This is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
This can put pressure on the LES, causing it to open and allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.
Obesity:
People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing water brash.
This is because excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and LES, causing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Pregnancy:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the muscles that control the LES to relax, leading to water brash and other symptoms of GERD.
Smoking:
Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the risk of developing water brash and other symptoms of GERD.
Alcohol consumption:
Drinking alcohol can relax the LES and increase the production of stomach acid, increasing the risk of developing water brash and other symptoms of GERD.
Certain medications:
Some medications, such as calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and anticholinergics, can cause water brash as a side effect.
Certain foods and beverages:
Spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can all increase the production of stomach acid and increase the risk of developing water brash.
Stress and anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can increase the production of saliva, which can lead to water brash.
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of water brash.
Lifestyle modifications and medications can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition.
Diagnosis of Water Brash:
Water brash is usually diagnosed based on a patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Physical exam: Doctor may also be performed to check for signs of inflammation or irritation in the throat and mouth.
If necessary, the doctor may order additional tests to rule out other conditions or to confirm the diagnosis of GERD or other digestive disorders.
Review of medical history: The doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms and medical history, including any previous medical conditions or surgeries.
Physical examination: The doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any signs of underlying medical conditions that could be causing water brash.
Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach.
This allows the doctor to examine the lining of the esophagus and stomach and identify any signs of irritation or inflammation.
Esophageal pH monitoring: This test measures the level of acidity in the esophagus over a while.
A small, flexible tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the esophagus, where it measures the pH level and records the data for analysis.
Esophageal manometry:
A small, flexible tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the esophagus, where it measures the pressure and movement of the muscles of the esophagus.
Imaging tests: In some cases, the doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to check for any structural abnormalities or blockages in the digestive system.
Barium swallow:
A barium swallow is a diagnostic procedure where a patient ingests a liquid that contains barium, a material that is visible on X-ray images.
Water brash Management:
The management of water brash depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some general approaches to managing water brash:
Treating underlying medical conditions:
If water brash is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as GERD or gastroparesis, treating the condition may help alleviate symptoms of water brash.
Lifestyle modifications:
Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of water brash.
These may include avoiding acidic and spicy foods, eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, avoiding lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating, and elevating the head of the bed when sleeping.
Medications:
Medications may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of water brash.
These may include antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, prokinetics, or other medications depending on the underlying cause.
Surgery:
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to treat water brash if medications and lifestyle modifications are not effective.
It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the best management approach for your case of water brash.
With proper diagnosis and management, the symptoms of water brash can be significantly reduced and managed effectively.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for water bras:
Some important remedies for water brash are as follows –
Phosphorus
Pulsatilla
Natrum phosphoricum
Lycopodium
Belladonna
Robinia
Ignatia amara
Chamomilla
Ipecacuanha
Kali bichromicum
Sepia
Platina metallicum
1. Nux vomica: for water brash caused by overeating, alcohol, or spicy food.
In homeopathy, Nux vomica is used to treat digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux.
The symptoms indicating Nux vomica in water brash include a sour taste in the mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
There may also be abdominal discomfort, bloating, and constipation.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
2. Arsenicum album: for water brash accompanied by burning pains, anxiety, and restlessness.
Arsenicum album is commonly used to treat acid reflux and indigestion, especially when there is burning pain in the chest and throat.
The symptoms indicating Arsenicum album in water brash include a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and stomach, along with anxiety, restlessness, and a fear of being alone.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
3. Carbo vegetabilis: for water brash accompanied by flatulence and bloating
Carbo vegetabilis is a remedy for digestive problems, especially when there is a sense of heaviness and fullness in the stomach after eating.
The symptoms indicating Carbo vegetabilis in water brash include bloating, gas, and belching, along with a sour taste in the mouth.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
4. Phosphorus: for water brash accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest and throat
Phosphorus is commonly used for acid reflux and indigestion, especially when there is burning pain in the chest and throat.
The symptoms indicating Phosphorus in water brash include a burning sensation in the chest and throat, along with a craving for cold drinks.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
5. Pulsatilla: for water brash accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, and a lack of thirst.
Pulsatilla is used to treat digestive problems, especially when there is a lack of thirst and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
The symptoms indicating Pulsatilla in water brash include a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, and a lack of thirst.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
6. Natrum phosphoricum: for water brash accompanied by sour belching and regurgitation of food.
Natrum Phosphoricum is commonly used to treat acid reflux and indigestion, especially when there is a sour taste in the mouth and sour belching.
The symptoms indicating Natrum Phosphoricum in water brash include sour belching, heartburn, and indigestion.
Dose and potency: 6X, three times daily.
7. Lycopodium: for water brash accompanied by bloating and a feeling of fullness
Lycopodium is commonly used to treat digestive problems, especially when there is bloating, gas, and constipation.
The symptoms indicating Lycopodium in water brash include bloating, gas, and constipation.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
8. Belladonna: for water brash accompanied by a sensation of heat and throbbing in the throat and chest.
Belladonna is commonly used to treat digestive problems, especially when there is burning pain in the chest and throat.
The symptoms indicating Belladonna in water brash include a burning sensation in the chest, throat, and stomach, along with a feeling of fullness and discomfort.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
9. Robinia: for water brash accompanied by sour, acidic belching, and regurgitation of food.
Robinia is commonly used to treat acid reflux and indigestion, especially when there is a sour taste in the mouth and heartburn.
The symptoms indicating Robinia in water brash include acid reflux, heartburn, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
10. Ignatia: for water brash accompanied by a lump in the throat, & difficulty in swallowing
Ignatia is commonly used to treat digestive problems, especially when there is emotional distress, such as grief or anxiety.
The symptoms indicating Ignatia in water brash include a lump in the throat, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and emotional distress.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
11. Chamomilla: for water brash accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth and nausea
Chamomilla is commonly used to treat digestive problems, especially in infants and young children.
The symptoms indicating Chamomilla in water brash include nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
12. Sulphur: This remedy is indicated for water brash accompanied by burning pains in the chest and throat, and a sensation of fullness.
Sulfur is commonly used to treat acid reflux and indigestion.
The symptoms indicating Sulphur in water brash include a burning sensation in the chest, acid reflux, and heartburn.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
13. Ipecacuanha: for water brash accompanied by persistent nausea
Ipecac is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting, especially when they are persistent.
The symptoms indicating Ipecac in water brash include constant nausea and vomiting.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
14. Kali bichromicum: for water brash accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest
Kali Bichromium is commonly used to treat digestive problems, especially when there is thick, ropy mucus.
The symptoms indicating Kali Bichromium in water brash include thick, ropy mucus, and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
15. Sepia: for water brash accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea
Sepia is commonly used to treat digestive problems, especially when there is a bitter taste in the mouth and indigestion.
The symptoms indicating Sepia in water brash include a bitter taste in the mouth, indigestion, and a feeling of emptiness in the stomach.
16. Platina metallicum: for water brash in excessive salivation
Patients who require Platina may also experience a metallic or coppery taste in the mouth.
They may also have a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, and a sensation of dryness or constriction in the throat.
The symptoms of water brash in Platina patients may be worse in the morning or at night, and may be aggravated by cold drinks or food, and by talking or swallowing.
Dose and potency: 30CH, three times daily.
It is important to consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner before taking any homeopathic remedy, as the dosage and potency may vary depending on the individual case.