Negosentro | Everything you ought to know about acid reflux in Cypress, Texas | Acid reflux refers to heartburn in the lower chest area that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe, causing nausea, burning sensation, and persistent sore throat. Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG, at GastroDoxs PLLC, provides comprehensive evaluation, information, and management care for most Cypress acid reflux. Prevent acid reflux from developing into a more chronic condition, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux.
Below is the information you need to know about acid reflux.
Causes
The most common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called hiatal hernia. This disease occurs when the upper stomach and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) move above the diaphragm, causing hiatal hernia acid to move into the esophagus and symptoms of acid reflux disease.
The following factors also increase the risk of reflux disease;
- Eating large meals and lying down on your back immediately after meals
- Being obese
- Snacking close to bedtime
- Eating tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, and fatty and spicy food
- Drinking beverages such as alcohol, caffeine, tea, and carbonated drinks
- Smoking and low levels of physical exercises
- Being pregnant
- Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and high blood pressure medicine
Symptoms
The signs of acid reflux include;
- Heartburn is a burning pain that moves from your stomach to your chest and up your throat.
- Regurgitation which is a bitter-tasting backing up into your mouth
- Bloating and bloody vomits
- Bloody and black stool
- Burping and dysphagia
- Hiccups and nausea
- Wheat loss for no reason
- Wheezing, coughing, and chronic sore throat
Diagnosis
Your gastroenterologist begins with a physical evaluation of the symptoms and then performs the following tests;
- Barium swallow, also known as esophagram, to check for ulcers
- Esophageal manometry to check the function and movement of esophagus and LES
- Ph monitoring to check for levels of acid in the esophagus
- Endoscopy to check for esophagus and stomach problems
- Biopsy to check for abnormalities and infection
Management of acid reflux disease
The following treatment options can manage acid reflux;
- Lifestyle changes
- Avoiding food and beverages that trigger acid reflux symptoms
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day and eat two hours before going to bed
- Lose weight if you are overweight by exercising and diet changes
- Wear loose clothes and loose belts
Medications
The medicines involved include;
- Alginate drugs such as Gaviscon to reduce heartburn
- Antacid such as omeprazole and Roland to relieve pain
- H2 Blockers and proton pump inhibitors to decrease acid production
- Prokinetics help to strengthen the LES, empty stomach faster and reduce acid reflux
Talk to your gastroenterologist today
Acid reflux can be a nightmare if not managed and cause excruciating pain, which prevents you from enjoying your daily activities and time with your loved ones. Getting accurate information and evaluation about acid reflux disease puts you one step away from getting rid of the pain. Book an appointment with a specialized gastroenterologist Dr. Pothuri at GastroDoxs PLLC, get answers about the disease, get a comprehensive evaluation and management care to avoid experiencing reflux symptoms in the future, and manage the current ones to alleviate pain.
