Tag: acid reflux

How Does the Stomach Work?

Posted on November 22, 2024

A physician is showing a patient how the stomach works using a model they are holding in their hands.

A physician is showing a patient how the stomach works using a model they are holding in their hands.

The stomach is an organ that is an essential part of your digestive system. However, you may not have given much thought to how it works. Fortunately, the BMI team is here to explain how the stomach works, conditions that may affect it, and more. 

What is the Stomach?

The stomach is a muscular, hollow, J-shaped organ located in the upper abdomen that is made up of several parts, which include:

Cardia

The first part of the stomach, the cardia, is connected to the esophagus. It contains the cardiac sphincter, a thin ring of muscle that prevents stomach contents from going back up into the esophagus, a condition known commonly as acid reflux.

Fundus

The top, rounded area of the stomach is known as the fundus. It is located to the left of the cardia.

Body

The main part of the stomach is known as the body. It is where food is mixed and broken down. The average adult’s stomach holds around one liter of food.

Antrum

The lower part of the stomach is called the antrum. It holds food until it is ready to move into the small intestine.

Pylorus

The part of the stomach connected to the small intestine is called the pylorus. It includes a thick ring of muscle known as the pyloric sphincter, which controls the emptying of stomach contents into the first part of the small intestine. 

How the Stomach Works

The stomach’s main function is to digest food received from the esophagus. The food is then mixed with acid to be broken down into a liquid before moving into the small intestine. 

What Conditions Affect the Stomach?

Many diseases and other conditions can affect the stomach, such as:

Gastritis 

Often caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori, gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. Common symptoms of this condition include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • A feeling of fullness

While this condition can be managed using medication, like antacids, you should avoid certain foods, drinks, or medicines that may irritate your stomach.

Ulcers

Ulcers are open sores in the stomach, which often cause bleeding or pain. They can be caused by bacterial infections or stress. While prescription medication can be used to treat ulcers, surgery may sometimes be required. 

Stomach Cancer 

Tumors may form in the stomach lining. While many are benign, some can turn malignant. Symptoms of stomach cancer include:

  • Bleeding
  • Weight loss
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • Changes in appetite 
  • Bloating

If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor. They can refer you for stomach cancer screening and treatment. The sooner cancer is found, the more treatable it is. 

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach empties slower than normal. It is common in individuals with diabetes or those who have had procedures that affect the stomach, like bariatric surgery. Common symptoms of gastroparesis include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Belching
  • Abdominal pain
  • Feelings of fullness 

While there is no cure, gastroparesis can be managed with medication and dietary adjustments. If you are considering bariatric surgery, your surgeon will discuss your risk factors with you and create a treatment plan based on them. 

Acid Reflux 

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux is a digestive disorder that occurs when the muscle between the esophagus and stomach weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. 

Frequent heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux. It is easily manageable with diet and medication. However, in some severe cases, surgery may be required. Your physician can help you determine how to best manage acid reflux.

Gastroenteritis

Commonly known as the “stomach flu,” gastroenteritis is an infection that clears on its own within a few days. It can be caused by consuming food or water containing certain types of bacteria or parasites. Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, which can be managed with rest and fluids. 

Keep Your Stomach Healthy at BMI

Along with diet and exercise, regularly seeing your physician can help you keep your stomach healthy. If you’ve had stomach surgery, including weight loss procedures, consulting with a specialist, like those at BMI, can be especially helpful. To schedule a consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Care for Your Stomach at BMI 

Caring for your stomach goes beyond your diet. Partnering with a specialist, like those at BMI, can help you keep it healthy for years to come. To learn how we can help you manage and treat certain stomach conditions, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Understanding Acid Reflux: Symptoms & Solutions

Posted on October 30, 2024

A man in a purple shirt holding his stomach experiencing acid reflux after eating spicy takeout food on his grey couch.

A man in a purple shirt holding his stomach experiencing acid reflux after eating spicy takeout food on his grey couch.

While it’s normal to have heartburn after a heavy meal, frequently experiencing it can be a sign of acid reflux. This common condition affects about 20% of Americans. At BMI, we have experience treating this gastrointestinal condition and others, so we’ve compiled some information to help you better manage it. 

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition caused by the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly, allowing stomach acid to leak or reflux into the esophagus. When stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week is a possible sign of acid reflux.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Like any other gastrointestinal health issue, recognizing the signs of acid reflux and seeking timely treatment is crucial in managing it. Common symptoms include: 

  • Frequent heartburn
  • Acid regurgitation
  • Chest pains
  • Hoarse voice
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Tightness in the throat
  • Dry cough
  • Bad breath

Even if your symptoms are mild, they may still impact your quality of life and eating habits. If your symptoms are particularly disruptive to your daily routine, schedule an appointment with one of BMI’s gastrointestinal specialists, who can help you effectively treat them.

Causes of Acid Reflux

While acid reflux is commonly caused by consuming certain foods and beverages, other risk factors for developing this condition include: 

  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking

Regardless of the cause, your physician will assess your condition to develop a custom treatment plan to address your acid reflux. To learn about your personal risk factors, contact BMI for a consultation. 

How to Prevent Acid Reflux

Like any chronic condition, acid reflux can be painful and disruptive to your lifestyle. Fortunately, it is easily preventable. Below are some simple ways you can prevent this condition.

  • Eat smaller meals at a slower pace
  • Avoid lying down after eating
  • Sleep on an incline
  • If you smoke, try quitting
  • Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
  • Avoid trigger foods and beverages, including:
    • Fatty or fried foods
    • Acidic foods or beverages
    • Caffeine
    • Alcohol

By following these steps, you can prevent acid reflux. For more advice, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. 

How We Diagnose Acid Reflux

At BMI, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating acid reflux. Below is our process.

Medical History

As acid reflux can be hereditary. We look at your family medical history to determine if this might be the case in your situation.

Proton Pump Inhibitor

We prescribe a proton pump inhibitor to see how you respond to this medication before moving on to more intensive treatments. 

Barium Swallow Radiograph

We use an X-ray to spot abnormalities like hiatal hernias and severe inflammation of the esophagus, which may contribute to acid reflux. 

Endoscopy

An endoscopy can identify inflammation, acid damage, ulcers, and other signs of acid reflux, making it an effective method of diagnosis.

How to Treat Acid Reflux

While you can manage mild heartburn at home, it is best to consult with a gastrointestinal specialist, like those at BMI, to treat acid reflux. They can assess the underlying cause of your condition to develop a treatment plan, which may include: 

Diet

Since acid reflux is triggered by certain foods and beverages, avoiding them may help you to better manage your condition. Keep a food diary to discover what your specific symptom triggers are in order to avoid them. Most commonly, it is triggered by fatty or acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol. 

Medication 

Medications, including antacids, foaming agents, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, can help manage your symptoms. For milder cases, over-the-counter medication is sufficient, but more severe cases may require prescription medications. Your physician can recommend which is right for you.

Surgery

In patients that have reflux not controlled with medication, surgery may be required once all other non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted. Consulting with a gastrointestinal surgeon, like those at BMI, can help you determine if this is the case based on your condition. 

Manage Your Acid Reflux With BMI

If you’re experiencing heartburn that won’t subside with diet and lifestyle changes, contact BMI at (205) 858-1211. Our team can help you create a treatment plan that will address the root cause of your condition and allow you to continue your regular activities without discomfort. To get started, schedule an appointment today. 

Effective Acid Reflux Treatment at BMI 

Acid reflux symptoms can affect your daily routine and personal comfort. Get back to normal with effective treatment from BMI. Specializing in managing gastrointestinal conditions, we can create a treatment plan customized to your needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (205) 858-1211. 

What to Know About Gastric Sleeve and Acid Reflux

Posted on September 15, 2022

A brunette woman in cream colored shirt sitting at a table with her hand over her chest expressing discomfort.

A brunette woman in cream colored shirt sitting at a table with her hand over her chest expressing discomfort.

Are you in the process of recovering from a gastric sleeve operation? Or are you considering the transformative procedure? If so, you may have heard of acid reflux as a side effect of gastric sleeve surgery. Up to 35 % of people suffer from acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing weight loss surgery. Many find it to be manageable, and some don’t experience it at all!

While not everyone who undergoes gastric sleeve surgery will deal with acid reflux, we want to answer any questions you may have to help you avoid discomfort post-operation. In this blog, our team at BMI Surgery will explore everything you need to know about the connection between gastric sleeve surgery and acid reflux.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that causes stomach acid to move out of the stomach and into the esophagus (the tube running between the throat and stomach). Acid reflux can cause discomfort and pain to those that experience it. People that have chronic acid reflux may have a condition known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which can cause the following additional symptoms:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn

Many people sometimes experience heartburn and acid indigestion, especially after eating a large meal. However, GERD refers to experiencing acid reflux more frequently, at least a couple of times each week.

Losing weight with gastric sleeve surgery can help some GERD sufferers to improve or eliminate their condition through weight loss. However, some people find themselves experiencing GERD for the first time following their gastric sleeve surgery.

Why is Acid Reflux Common After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Research into the connection between acid reflux and gastric sleeve surgery has produced mixed results. But, it is believed that there are three possible causes of GERD developing after gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Existing hiatus hernia (part of the stomach bulges into the chest)
  • Damage caused to the esophageal sphincter following surgery
  • Change in intra-abdominal pressure

If you experience acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery, it should subside as you lose weight and your body recovers from surgery. Your doctor can provide clear timelines for recovery and answer any specific questions you may have.

How to Reduce Acid Reflux After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Some issues that can later cause GERD can be addressed by the surgeon during your operation. If you develop acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery, there are some treatments available.

While not everyone will develop acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery, knowing that treatment is available if needed is helpful. Some common remedies for acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery include:

  • Medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 receptor blockers
  • Light exercise
  • Avoiding foods that could irritate your stomach, like fatty foods, anything deep-fried, and drinks with excess caffeine
  • Avoiding overeating
  • Eating slowly

For more information, we recommend you contact your provider about the best ways to eliminate or reduce acid reflux or GERD symptoms following surgery.

Find Relief from Acid Reflux After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Find quality support, advice, and encouragement after gastric sleeve surgery from Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery! If you develop acid reflux after your surgery, our qualified team of experts can help you find the relief you deserve. Don’t let the fear of acid reflux keep you from embarking on your weight loss journey– find out more today!

Interested in Weight Loss Surgery?

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we offer a choice of weight loss surgeries to help you achieve your weight loss goals and lead a healthier life. Call us at (205) 858-1211 or contact us online to learn more about weight loss surgery today!