Occasional feelings of heartburn can happen to anyone after eating spicy or acidic foods. If you are experiencing more frequent feelings of heartburn, you could have a GI condition known as acid reflux. Your gastroenterologist can help you get relief. Dr. Kevin Marks at Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX, provides a wide range of GI services, including diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux.
What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is caused by poor functioning of the sphincter muscle which separates your stomach from your esophagus. When this sphincter muscle doesn’t close completely, stomach acid can back up into your throat, causing symptoms of acid reflux.
Acid reflux can go undiagnosed and untreated, but untreated acid reflux can have some serious risks. Acid reflux can turn into a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to:
- Eroding tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity
- Nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
- Inflammation of your esophagus, a condition known as esophagitis
- Difficulty swallowing and swallowing disorders
- Esophageal ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus
- Esophageal damage or esophageal cancer
You can do a lot to help prevent acid reflux. It’s important to remember to:
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid tobacco products
- Stay up for at least 2 to 3 hours after meals
- Limit or avoid spicy and acidic foods
- Take over-the-counter antacids to reduce stomach acid
Your gastroenterologist may recommend having an endoscopy to examine the walls of the esophagus, looking for abnormalities or damage to the esophagus. Additional treatments for acid reflux include:
- Prescription-strength medications to reduce stomach acid
- Prescription-strength medications to heal ulcerations and other esophageal damage
- Lifestyle and dietary modifications, and meal planning to limit symptoms
Want To Know More About Acid Reflux?
To find out more about the risk factors of untreated acid reflux, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Kevin Marks at Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (281) 392-0425, so call today.