posted: Jun. 15, 2023.
Everyone has heartburn occasionally. It’s that stabbing, burning sensation in your chest, and it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn is known as acid reflux, and it’s a condition involving your digestive system. Your gastroenterologist can help you get relief from acid reflux.
So, what causes acid reflux? It has to do with a sphincter muscle between your stomach and esophagus. When it works normally, it keeps stomach acid from pushing back up into your throat. In cases of acid reflux, the sphincter muscle doesn’t close completely, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus, and your throat.
Acid reflux can cause:
For mild, occasional acid reflux, you can try a few simple tips at home which can help decrease symptoms. It’s important to:
If you have moderate to severe or chronic acid reflux symptoms, you need to seek out the expertise of your gastroenterologist. Untreated acid reflux can turn into gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease, commonly known as GERD, can cause permanent esophageal damage, including esophageal cancer.
Your gastroenterologist will begin with a thorough examination. Your doctor may recommend diagnostic procedures like an endoscopy, to view the inside of your esophagus. Then, your gastroenterologist will develop a treatment plan designed to help eliminate or reduce acid reflux symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:
To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of acid reflux, talk with an expert. Call your gastroenterologist today.
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