Acid Reflux Disease

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is when the acid that is normally in your stomach backs up into the esophagus. Another term for reflux is GERD.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

  • Burning in the chest, known as heartburn
  • Burning in the throat or an acid taste in the throat
  • Stomach or chest pain
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Hoarseness or a sore throat
  • Unexplained cough

What can I do on my own to improve my symptoms?

  • If you are overweight, lose weight
  • Raise the head of your bed
  • Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse (chocolate, coffee, alcohol, peppermint, fatty foods)
  • Cut down on alcohol
  • If you smoke, quit
  • Eat smaller more frequent meals each day
  • Avoid lying down up to four hours after a meal
  • Eat slowly & chew food more
  • Have a balanced diet
  • 4R Program Alternative Therapy
  • Avoid processed food
  • Eat wholesome foods

What treatments help acid reflux?

There are a few main types of medicines that can help with the symptoms of acid reflux: antacids, surface acting agents, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. These medicines work by reducing or blocking stomach acid. But they each do that in a different way.

Antacids and surface acting agents can relieve mild symptoms, but they work only for a short time.

Histamine blockers are stronger and last longer than antacids and surface acting agents. You can buy antacids and most histamine blockers without a prescription.

Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medicines in treating GERD. Some of these medicines are sold without a prescription. But there are other versions that your doctor can prescribe.

Sometimes acid reflux medicines are less expensive if you get them with a prescription. Other times nonprescription medicines are less expensive. If cost is a concern for you, ask your pharmacist how you might reduce the cost of your medicines.

Other Treatments

  • 4 R Program
  • Remove gastric irritants
  • Replace digestive acid or enzymes
  • Reinoculate with beneficial bacteria
  • Repair intestinal lining and integrity

Complications

  • Esophagitis
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Esophageal scarring -stricture
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Asthma
  • Cough
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased quality of life

When should I see a doctor?

  • Your symptoms are severe or last a long time
  • You cannot control your symptoms
  • Trouble swallowing, or it feels like food is getting “stuck” on the way down
  • You lose weight when you aren’t trying to
  • Have chest pain
  • If you choke when you eat
  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tar looking stools
  • Night time regurgitation
  • Over 40
  • Cough with reflux
  • Smoke
  • Have a recent change in symptoms
  • Symptoms impact your quality of life

What tests can be done for reflux?

A doctors consultation will determine your risk for complications. A interview and examination will help us develop and personalize a management plan just for you.

« Back to Diseases & Tests

Cologuard Technology

|

3.2.15

Testing for colon cancer just got easier. If you don’t already know, Cologuard is a new competing technology for colon cancer screening that is simple and ease of use. It involves no prep, no sedation, and most importantly, its effective. What exactly is Cologuard? Cologuard is a cancer detection test. Specifically, it tests for genetic Read More…

Vernon Receives Recognition – North Carolina Gastroenterologist

|

9.12.14

The practice of Kurt Vernon, MD, The GI Guy, is proud to announce that we have received a ‘Tier 1 Designation”, a high quality recognition from one of the nation’s largest health insurers – Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.  BCBSNC Tiered Network utilizes administrative claims data to identify high quality, low cost providers and Read More…