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What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux develops when stomach juices, including digestive acids, splash back up into the esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach) and into your throat. These juices cause irritation to the delicate tissue that lines these areas.

Acid reflux symptoms can include:

  • Burning in your chest (heartburn)
  • Chest discomfort or pain
  • Feeling like you have a lump in your throat 
  • Sour taste in the back of your mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing

Almost everyone experiences these symptoms at some point, but if they keep coming back, they can become highly disruptive. 

When do I need acid reflux treatment?

Occasional acid reflux can be troublesome, but it usually improves with over-the-counter medications. If your acid reflux happens only rarely and responds quickly to nonprescription antacids or other remedies, you may not need treatment.

But if you’re taking an increasing amount of over-the-counter medications to try to cope with your symptoms, or if you have recurrent acid reflux, it’s time to see the team at Gastrointestinal Consultants for help.   

Recurrent acid reflux might not respond to medication, and it can make life extremely uncomfortable. If you have mild acid reflux two or more times a week, or moderate-to-severe acid reflux at least once per week, it’s categorized as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

In most cases, persistent acid reflux and GERD require medical treatment. 

What can I expect from acid reflux treatment?

Acid reflux treatment is any conservative or advanced strategy to correct acid reflux and manage your symptoms. Gastrointestinal Consultants uses a variety of treatment approaches for acid reflux based on your symptoms, health, finances, and other factors specific to you. 

In many cases, you make lifestyle changes at home, along with diet changes and medication, to reduce stomach acid and manage your acid reflux symptoms. Some of these lifestyle and diet strategies include:

  • Raising the head of your bed 
  • Avoiding lying down for two hours after eating
  • Not eating for two hours before bedtime
  • Avoiding trigger foods like orange juice, tomato sauce, and caffeinated drinks
  • Quitting smoking
  • Quitting or reducing drinking (alcohol)
  • Weight loss if overweight

The team may prescribe medication to decrease stomach acid, which minimizes the amount of acid available to possibly reflux, so it reduces your symptoms. 

Untreated, GERD can lead to complications like Barrett’s esophagus, in which the tissue of your esophagus changes to become like your intestinal lining. This condition increases the risk of esophageal cancer thirtyfold.

Fortunately, acid reflux is very treatable, so don’t wait to call Gastrointestinal Consultants or click the provided link now.