If you are experiencing consistent heartburn and discomfort around your throat, you might be suffering from acid reflux. Acid reflux is common, affecting about 15 million Americans daily. It occurs due to different causes, including diet choices, such as acidic foods. When left untreated, acid reflux may cause severe problems. Cypress acid reflux specialist and gastroenterologist Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG, offers comprehensive care to help you manage acid reflux and better your quality of life. Continue reading to learn how you can treat and manage acid reflux.
What is acid reflux
When your stomach muscle does not close properly, it allows your stomach contents to move up your esophagus. Acid reflux causes heartburn and a bitter and sour taste in your mouth. Regular and periodic heartburn and indigestion symptoms may indicate a severe medical condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Acid reflux symptoms include the following:
- Sore throat
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Regurgitation
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough
- Nausea
- A lump feeling in the throat
Consider contacting GastroDoxs for more evaluation and treatments for acid reflux.
What are the causes of acid reflux?
Usually, acid reflux occurs when some stomach acid content flows up into the esophagus. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid that enhances food breakdown and offers protection from pathogens.
The stomach lining is resilient to acid, but the esophagus is not.
The stomach has a ring of muscle that allows food into the stomach and prevents its movement to the esophagus. When the valve malfunctions, the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Different factors may cause your stomach valve not to close properly, allowing acid to move to your throat and causing discomfort.
You can develop acid reflux from the following:
- Overweight
- Laying down after eating
- Smoke
- Drinking alcohol, coffee, and carbonated beverages
- Consuming large meals
- Eating a lot of citruses, tomato, chocolate, or citrus foods
- Taking a snack close to bedtime
What factors affect acid reflux?
In addition to the causes of acid reflux, the following may increase your risk of acid reflux.
- Hernias
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
Without treatment, the valve does not close completely, causing GERD. Dr. Pothuri at GastroDoxs offers proper management to prevent severe symptoms.
What are your treatment options for acid reflux?
Your provider may suggest changing your diet, including avoiding spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, and coffee. When you do not get relief from diet changes, your provider may recommend medications or surgery.
Medications such as antacids offer fast but short-term relief by reducing the acidity of the stomach contents. Besides, they do not work for everyone, and you may want to check with your doctor before using them. Antacids may limit nutrient absorption causing deficiencies over some time.
Lifestyle modifications may also help prevent acid reflux, including:
- Weight loss
- Quitting smoking
- Wearing loose clothing
- Improving posture, such as sitting up straight
- Avoiding increased pressure on your abdomen
Heartburn now and then might be expected; however, when it occurs frequently, it can be distressing. Acid reflux happens when your stomach contents move up to your esophagus. When it happens regularly, it may damage the esophagus lining. When not treated, it may lead to GERD. Contact GastroDoxs today to find lasting relief from heartburn and prevent complications.
