Preventing Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux symptoms can be uncomfortable. Acid reflux can make you stop eating the spicy foods you love. You can do a lot to prevent acid reflux symptoms. Talk with your gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologists at Rochester Gastroenterology Associates provide a wide range of gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux. They have two convenient office locations in Rochester, NY, to help you.
What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux
Did you know that according to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 60 million Americans experience some symptoms of acid reflux? If you are one of them, you need to know how to help prevent acid reflux symptoms. Remember to:
- Stay up for at least 2 to 3 hours after you eat
- Don’t lie down immediately after eating
- Avoid spicy, acidic foods
- Eat several small meals instead of a large meal
- Limit citrus, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks
- Avoid tobacco, excess alcohol, coffee, and chocolate
- Take over-the-counter antacids to buffer excess stomach acid
When you experience acid reflux symptoms, it means the sphincter muscle between your esophagus and your stomach isn’t closing properly. Stomach acid is able to flow back up into your esophagus, causing the burning sensation of acid reflux.
If you experience acid reflux symptoms frequently, you should visit your gastroenterologist. Untreated acid reflux can develop into a chronic condition known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Untreated GERD can lead to damage to your esophagus, and in severe cases, esophageal cancer. You may have GERD if you are experiencing:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal or chest pain
- A dry cough or frequent wheezing
- Frequent pain or problems with your throat
- Chronic bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth
- Erosion of your tooth enamel and tooth sensitivity
Your gastroenterologist may recommend prescription medication to reduce excess stomach acid, and dietary and lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the signs, symptoms, treatment, and management of acid reflux, call the gastroenterologists at Rochester Gastroenterology Associates in Rochester, Victor, Pittsford, Webster, Fairpoint, or Brighton, NY. You can reach them in the Linden Oaks location by calling (585) 267-4040, or in Canal Landing by calling (585) 227-1080, so call today.