Acid Reflux Specialist
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GI Physicians Inc.
Gastroenterologists located in Lima, OH
Whether you call it heartburn, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this uncomfortable condition can interrupt your sleep and get in the way of your quality of life. Fortunately, at GI Physicians Inc. in Lima, Ohio, Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, and the team of gastroenterological experts offer dedicated care for acid reflux. Get relief from your symptoms by calling the office or requesting your appointment online today.
Acid Reflux Q & A
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition caused when the seal between your stomach and esophagus isn’t working well. Your stomach contains acid that breaks down the food you eat. Your stomach can contain this acid comfortably and has a seal at the top to prevent that acid from reaching other parts of your body. This seal — your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — opens after you eat to allow food to pass from your esophagus to your stomach. Once you finish eating, it’s supposed to seal tightly.
You experience acid reflux when this sealing mechanism fails, allowing stomach acid to wash back up your esophagus. Certain foods can also worsen your acid reflux, as can behaviors like lying down soon after you eat.
What does acid reflux feel like?
Acid reflux is also called heartburn because stomach acid causes a burning sensation in your esophagus, and you often feel it just behind your heart. This pain can worsen if you lie down or bend over.
Other symptoms of acid reflux include:
- A bitter taste in your mouth
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness
- Feeling like food is coming back up
- Trouble swallowing
- Nausea
If you experience acid reflux two or more times a week, you’re living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition causes chronic, recurrent heartburn. What’s more, left untreated, GERD heightens your risk for esophageal cancer.
Whether you experience acid reflux regularly or only every once in a while, it leaves you feeling sick and can interfere with your ability to go about your day or fall asleep. To get relief, don’t hesitate to talk to the team at GI Physicians Inc. so they can start you with treatment.
How is acid reflux treated?
The GI Physicians Inc. team takes a conservative approach, first recommending lifestyle changes that have helped many of their patients find relief from acid reflux. Those include staying away from foods that trigger your acid reflux and eating at least two hours before bedtime.
When lifestyle modifications aren’t effective, your GI Physicians Inc. provider can prescribe medication. Multiple types of medication are available. Some limit acid in your stomach while others help tone the muscles of your LES.
To learn more about your acid reflux treatment options, call GI Physicians Inc., or request your appointment online today.
