Don't Ignore Your Heart Burn

Heartburn is a common problem, especially if you like spicy or acidic foods. It’s important not to ignore your heartburn because it could be a sign of a more serious condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology offer comprehensive gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of heartburn.

What You Need To Know About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD

GERD typically begins as acid reflux. Symptoms happen because the sphincter muscle separating your esophagus from your stomach doesn’t close completely. The open sphincter muscle allows stomach acid to travel back into your esophagus, causing acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

You may have GERD if you:

• Have chronic bad breath
• Experience a chronic sour taste in your mouth
• Suffer from chronic sore throats, dry coughing, and wheezing
• Feel chronic nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
• Notice increased tooth sensitivity from tooth enamel erosion

Dietary modifications can help minimize the symptoms of GERD. You should:

• Eat small meals several times daily
• Avoid eating a large meal before you go to bed
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
• Avoid or limit eating spicy or acidic foods
• Take over-the-counter antacid medications

A gastroenterologist should evaluate GERD, because untreated GERD can lead to esophageal damage and even esophageal cancer. Your gastroenterologist may recommend an endoscopy to assess whether GERD has caused esophageal damage. Depending on your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• Dietary and nutritional counseling
• Prescription antacid medications
• Prescription medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter muscle
• Surgical treatment for severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication therapy

Want To Know More About Heartburn and GERD?

To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of GERD, call the gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology. You can reach them in San Diego, CA, by calling (619) 291-6064. Call today.