How your gastroenterologists in Orlando can help
Do spicy foods keep you up at night? Do you have frequent heartburn and find yourself taking antacids several times during the week? If you suffer from frequent heartburn discomfort, you could have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Your gastroenterologists at Digestive and Liver Center of Florida in Orlando, FL, want to help you learn to recognize the signs of GERD and how to treat your acid reflux.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, in the United States, over 60 million people suffer from acid reflux or GERD. The condition is caused by stomach acid flowing up through your esophagus. You have a sphincter muscle which, when working normally, closes off the esophagus and prevents stomach contents from flowing upwards. If you have GERD, the sphincter muscle doesn’t close completely, allowing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus.
You may notice signs and symptoms like these:
- A frequent sore throat
- Frequent bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity and erosion
- Dry coughing or wheezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal or chest pain
There are some simple tips you can try at home to prevent and relieve the effects of acid reflux. Consider:
- Taking over-the-counter antacids
- Staying upright at least 2 to 3 hours after eating
- Not eating right before you go to bed
- Eliminating spicy foods from your diet
- Eating small meals instead of large ones
- Losing weight and not smoking
- Avoiding exercises that press your abdomen
- Not wearing belts
For severe cases of acid reflux and GERD, you need to seek out the services of an expert. Common professional treatments include prescription medications and lifestyle and diet modifications.
For more detailed information about acid reflux, please visit the Acid Reflux page on the website at https://www.dlcfl.com/acid-reflux.html
You don’t have to suffer the discomfort of acid reflux or GERD. You can get help with a simple phone call. The GI specialists at Digestive and Liver Center of Florida in Orlando, FL, are standing by to help, so call today!