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.
