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.