Acid Reflux Disease
What Is Acid Reflux Disease?
Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux is a medical condition that is often mistaken for simple heartburn. Simply put, it is a chronic irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, increasing your risk for cancer. While some people find it mildly annoying, still others will suffer continuously, and should seek medical attention, at least to determine what is really going on.
Are you suffering from chronic heartburn? Call Trinity Primary Care today for an immediate appointment and testing for acid reflux disease.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Heartburn can actually be a symptom of GERD, making it confusing to correctly diagnose. Other symptoms of the more serious condition include, bloating, bitter acid backing up into your throat, bloody stools or vomit, chronic burping, dysphagia which causes your esophagus to narrow, chronic hiccups, nausea and pain after meals, chronic sore throat, and mysterious weight loss.
Acid Reflux Causes
People who smoke, overweight or obese, consume fatty and spicy foods, eat acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, use a lot of chocolate, mints, garlic and onions, or drink a lot of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages are more likely than others to develop acid reflux disease. Pregnant women may also experience intermittent GERD, as will those who use aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers or blood pressure medications on a regular basis.
One medical condition that has been proven to cause GERD is a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves past the diaphragm, making it easier for stomach acid to enter the esophagus. The diaphragm is located between the stomach and the chest, and if it or the lower abdominal muscles become herniated they will displace the stomach’s natural position.
Diagnostic Tests for Acid Reflux
There are tests that the doctor can run to determine if you have reflux acid or simple heartburn. All of them will focus on your esophagus and stomach, to see if there is damage, blockages that can cause the stomach acid to reflux, or if another condition is in play, like colitis or celiac disease, especially if you are also experiencing abdominal pain in addition to the other symptoms.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Once it has been determined whether you have acid reflux or another condition, treatment will depend upon exactly what is wrong with you. The usual first steps will involve lifestyle and diet changes. If it has been determined exactly which food or drink is causing the flare ups, you will be advised to avoid them from this point on. If you smoke, quit, and switch from three or four large meals to smaller portions throughout the day. Any medication prescribed will focus on cutting down on the amount of acid in your stomach, usually by coating it.
Acid Reflux Disease
What Is Acid Reflux Disease?
Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux is a medical condition that is often mistaken for simple heartburn. Simply put, it is a chronic irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, increasing your risk for cancer. While some people find it mildly annoying, still others will suffer continuously, and should seek medical attention, at least to determine what is really going on.
Are you suffering from chronic heartburn? Call Trinity Primary Care today for an immediate appointment and testing for acid reflux disease.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Heartburn can actually be a symptom of GERD, making it confusing to correctly diagnose. Other symptoms of the more serious condition include, bloating, bitter acid backing up into your throat, bloody stools or vomit, chronic burping, dysphagia which causes your esophagus to narrow, chronic hiccups, nausea and pain after meals, chronic sore throat, and mysterious weight loss.
Acid Reflux Causes
People who smoke, overweight or obese, consume fatty and spicy foods, eat acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, use a lot of chocolate, mints, garlic and onions, or drink a lot of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages are more likely than others to develop acid reflux disease. Pregnant women may also experience intermittent GERD, as will those who use aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers or blood pressure medications on a regular basis.
One medical condition that has been proven to cause GERD is a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves past the diaphragm, making it easier for stomach acid to enter the esophagus. The diaphragm is located between the stomach and the chest, and if it or the lower abdominal muscles become herniated they will displace the stomach’s natural position.
Diagnostic Tests for Acid Reflux
There are tests that the doctor can run to determine if you have reflux acid or simple heartburn. All of them will focus on your esophagus and stomach, to see if there is damage, blockages that can cause the stomach acid to reflux, or if another condition is in play, like colitis or celiac disease, especially if you are also experiencing abdominal pain in addition to the other symptoms.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Once it has been determined whether you have acid reflux or another condition, treatment will depend upon exactly what is wrong with you. The usual first steps will involve lifestyle and diet changes. If it has been determined exactly which food or drink is causing the flare ups, you will be advised to avoid them from this point on. If you smoke, quit, and switch from three or four large meals to smaller portions throughout the day. Any medication prescribed will focus on cutting down on the amount of acid in your stomach, usually by coating it.