What Is Acid Reflux?
Substances we eat or drink travel down our esophagus and into our stomach for digestion. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) regulates the passage of foods and drinks from the mouth to the stomach. This specialized muscle opens to let food enter the stomach and closes to prevent backflow. However, the LES may not close properly and entirely, leading to a portion of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, resulting in a condition known as acid reflex. Our stomachs naturally produce acid, crucial for breaking down and digesting food. When the acid backs into the esophagus, acid reflux, or "heartburn," may present as a burning sensation resulting from the acidic nature of the stomach contents irritating the esophageal lining.
Chronic acid reflux can damage the esophagus and lead to discomfort. At Denmark Digestive Health, our board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Vera Denmark specializes in diagnosing and treating acid reflux. Our practice offers various treatments to alleviate heartburn and its associated symptoms. If you're seeking effective acid reflux treatment in Weston, MA, we encourage you to contact our expert team for professional support and compassionate care.
What Are the Treatments for Acid Reflux?
Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications, but there are also some options to try that do not include medication and focus on lifestyle changes, such as:
- Eating several small meals throughout the day rather than three standard larger meals can help keep you from getting too full, which could increase acid reflux symptoms
- Eating three hours before bed helps the acid remain within your stomach rather than regurgitate
- Not using tobacco products
- Consider a weight loss plan if you are overweight or obese
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Sleeping with your head elevated to reduce nighttime symptoms
Surgical and endoscopic procedures are for severe cases to help strengthen the LES and prevent reflux. Natural or alternative therapies should be discussed before trying them.
What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is frequently referred to as heartburn because of the burning sensation it often causes, but the symptoms associated with this condition can vary in intensity and frequency. Symptoms are important indicators of the condition and can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest area, often mistaken for heart-related issues
- Excessive gas or bloating
- Feeling as though there is a lump lodged in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia
- The unpleasant experience of sour liquid or food regurgitating back into the mouth
- Unplanned weight loss, which can be a sign of more serious health issues
Persistent experiences of these symptoms could point toward gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux. In such cases, it's crucial to seek medical advice. Denmark Digestive Health has specialists who can provide the necessary care and treatment for this condition.
Acid Reflux Reviews
Dr. Vera Denmark is a very patient Physician! She helped me come off the medication and change my diet to prevent me from having acid reflux disease! She is very thorough and thoughtful and always examined me very carefully!
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Find Comfort and Relief
If you're experiencing frequent acid reflux or other distressing gastrointestinal symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional medical assistance. At Denmark Digestive Health, our experienced team is dedicated to educating and treating patients with gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux and GERD. We understand the discomfort and challenges these conditions can bring, and we're here to help. To seek support for acid reflux, we invite you to contact our Weston, MA practice today. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Vera Denmark, to receive expert care and guidance tailored to your needs.