Acid reflux is a condition in which the contents from your stomach get back to the esophagus. It is therefore called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux. When this condition occurs to you at least twice a week then it is called GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
GERD usually occurs when you lead a poor-quality life. But don’t worry, there is a solution to this too. Visit a GERD specialist at Digestive & Liver Disease Center, which is one of the best treatments for GERD in San Antonio. So now you don’t need to fear eating anything or even about the heartburn. Make sure that you take precautionary measures before making it more complicated.
Symptoms of GERD
The main symptom here is heartburn or a burning sensation that can go back up to the neck and the throat. You might also feel a bitter or a sour taste at the back of the mouth. You might also feel like food or liquid that your intake goes back again into your mouth.
You might also feel nausea, pain while swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes are one of the most important treatments for GERD. This might include the following things:
- Maintain a good weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid eating too much or heavy meals in the evening.
- Wait for a few hours before you lie down.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
Certain over-the-counter medications might be prescribed by your doctor. Make sure you talk to them before taking any medications as they might have some side effects. This includes:
- Antacids are helpful to neutralize extra stomach acid.
- H2 blockers can help to decrease the secretions of stomach acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors will help to relieve symptoms and heal the esophagus.
- Promotility agents that can strengthen the sphincter muscles.
Certain foods can increase the chances of acid reflux like spicy and oily, citrus fruits, and foods high in acid like tomatoes. So, with some changes in the diet, you can control the symptoms.
Surgeries are recommended in this case, only if lifestyle changes and medications have made no changes in your symptoms and your complications have increased.
Your health specialist in San Antonio is one of the best persons who can suggest remedies. But prevention is always better than cure. Avoid unhealthy eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. This will keep you away from unwanted health problems.