Find out if your heartburn could actually be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What are the signs of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)? While most people can describe having occasional signs of heartburn or acid reflux, it’s not commonly a chronically occurring condition. You may notice it after eating particular foods or if you eat right before bedtime. But if you are dealing with these symptoms a couple of times a week or if they are affecting your quality of life then it may be more serious than heartburn.
What Is GERD?
Every time you swallow food your stomach produces acid to aid in digestion. In a healthy gastrointestinal system, a valve opens to allow food and liquid to pass from the esophagus to your stomach. In those with GERD, the valve may not close fully or may open too often, which can cause stomach acids to travel back up into the esophagus. If this happens regularly, the lining of the esophagus can become irritated and even damaged.
What Are The Symptoms Of GERD?
While everyone will probably experience heartburn at some point during their lifetime, if you have GERD you will likely deal with frequent or persistent heartburn. Everybody is different when it comes to their symptoms. Other frequent symptoms of GERD include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Problems swallowing
- Belching
- Hoarseness
- Chronic bad breath
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
When Should I See A Gastroenterologist?
It isn’t always easy to know when it’s time to visit the specialists at GI Associates. Of course, if you’ve been dealing with heartburn that occurs two or more times during the week, if your heartburn is getting worse, if you have trouble swallowing, or if heartburn wakes you up at night then it’s important that you get your symptoms evaluated. Any of these signs of GERD should be confirmed by your doctor.
How Is GERD Treated?
The goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms and you’re your esophagus a chance to heal. You may need to make lifestyle changes such as changing what and when you eat, sleep positioning, and potentially weight loss if obesity is a factor.
Certain medications may also be prescribed to help you manage your symptoms and to help repair the damage done to the esophagus. Surgery is only recommended when all other treatment options have failed.
Are you dealing with nagging, gnawing heartburn that just doesn’t seem to go away? If so, then it’s time you turned to the experts at GI Associates.