Ever experienced a sudden rush of saliva in your mouth with a sour taste, soon after you’ve had your meal or when lying down? This is called waterbrash, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus and excessive saliva is produced.
It’s normal if it happens occasionally, but frequent episodes may signal that something’s off with your digestive system. Scroll down to find out water brash meaning, what triggers it, and how to manage it.
What is Water Brash?
Water brash occurs when a sudden flow of saliva mixed with stomach acid enters the mouth. It is also known as acid brash, pyrosis idiopathica, and hypersalivation.
Many people confuse it with vomiting or heartburn, but they are different. While heartburn leads to a burning feeling in your chest, acid brash can cause a sour or bitter-tasting fluid in your mouth. Some people may experience heartburn and waterbrash together.
What are the Causes of Water Brash?
The leading causes of water or acid brash are closely linked to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to StatPearls.
If the valve at the lower end of your oesophagus (the lower oesophageal sphincter) gets weak, it can fail in preventing the stomach acid from travelling upwards. This backflow of acid induces a vomit-like sensation and causes overproduction of saliva.
Some of the most common triggers are:
- Eating spicy, oily, or acidic foods
- Lying down immediately after eating
- Overeating or eating too fast
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Stress and anxiety, which can increase stomach acid production
Interestingly, water brash and anxiety are often connected. When you’re anxious, your body enters a “fight or flight” mode, which may cause the acid reflux to worsen.
If you’re wondering, “Is Water Brash Dangerous?” the answer is no, really. But if that’s a common occurrence for you, you may need to consult a GERD specialist for risk management of complications like inflammation or damage to the oesophagus over time.
| Did You Know?
Skipping meals can make water brash worse? An empty stomach produces more acid, increasing the likelihood of a sudden surge of sour saliva. |
Common Symptoms of Water Brash
The water brash symptoms are similar to acid reflux and lead to the following issues:
- A sudden, watery or sour taste in the mouth
- Mild burning or discomfort in the throat or chest
- Excessive saliva production
- Bloating, burping, or mild nausea
Want to know how to avoid water brash in the future? Read the following section for effective diet and lifestyle changes to help prevent it.
How to Treat Water Brash?
There are several minor adjustments you can make to your diet and lifestyle to alleviate symptoms of waterbrash. You may also try water brash home remedies to manage the discomfort. Check the tips below:
- Avoid consuming large meals at once and instead divide them into smaller meals throughout the day for better digestion.
- Limit intake of citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, spicy dishes, and fried foods.
- Avoid lying down immediately after a meal; it is recommended to stay upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating. Take a post-meal walk.
- Drink enough water to dilute stomach acid and support digestion.
- If you struggle with anxiety, try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help manage anxiety and reduce reflux-related flare-ups.
- Using an extra pillow or a wedge can help prevent acid reflux from occurring while you sleep.
- Drink coconut water to lower acidity.
- Drinking fennel and ginger tea can help relieve indigestion.
If these lifestyle changes are not helpful, consult a doctor. They may recommend antacids or medications to balance acid production and strengthen the oesophageal sphincter.
To Sum Up
Water brash may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s often a sign that your digestive system needs care. To manage acid reflux, practice slow and mindful eating, and reduce stress. Even trying a few natural remedies, such as drinking coconut water, fennel tea, and ginger tea, can also help improve digestion and reduce acid reflux.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Water Brash
What are water brash causes?
Waterbrash is caused by acid reflux, when stomach acid travels up into the oesophagus and triggers excess saliva production. Common triggers are spicy or oily food, overeating, lying down after meals, stress, and anxiety.
How do I get rid of waterbrash?
Avoid triggering foods, eat smaller meals, stay upright after eating, and reduce stress to manage and prevent waterbrash.
What is the difference between acid brash and waterbrash?
Both "acid brash" and "waterbrash" refer to the same concept. When excessive saliva is produced, people usually refer to it as "waterbrash," but actually, it’s saliva mixed with small amounts of stomach acid.
How to stop waterbrash immediately?
For immediate relief, sip cool water or drink a glass of cold milk to neutralise the acid. Taking deep breaths and gentle walks are also beneficial.
Can gastritis cause waterbrash?
Yes. Gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, can increase acid production, leading to reflux, acid burn, and waterbrash.
