Managing Heartburn and Acid Reflux

If you regularly suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. The GI doctors near you at the Digestive Health Center in Reno, NV, warn that these could be signs of GERD. Without proper treatment, GERD can progress to more severe conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

What are ‘GER’ and GERD?

‘GER’ stands for gastroesophageal reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows into your esophagus. This can cause symptoms including coughing after meals or at night, belching, heartburn, acid regurgitation, and upset stomach.

If your GER symptoms occur more than once a week, you may be diagnosed with GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Symptoms may disrupt your sleep, which can affect how you feel and function during the day. GERD can affect anyone and is often caused by a dysfunctional LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

Managing GERD

You should see a gastroenterologist if your symptoms are severe or occur more than once a week. However, there are lifestyle changes you can start on right now:

Lose Weight

Excess weight increases pressure on your stomach and can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax.

Change Your Diet

Use an elimination diet to find your triggers. Culprits are acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, and LES irritants like black pepper, peppermint, and coffee. Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, and swap caffeinated, carbonated or acidic drinks (e.g. alcohol and citrus juices) for water. Avoid fast food, especially burgers, and learn what you’re really eating.

Eat Small, Eat Slow

Eat smaller meals, take smaller bites, and chew them thoroughly. Large meals can trigger symptoms, particularly if you eat too fast. Stop eating before you feel completely full.

Stay Upright After Eating

Gravity will help if you have GERD, encouraging food to travel downwards and discouraging stomach acid from moving upwards, so help it out by avoiding reclining or lying down for 3-4 hours after eating.

Stop Smoking

Smoking damages membranes that protect the esophagus, increases acid secretion, reduces lower esophageal muscle function, and reduces saliva production vital to acid neutralization.

Always see a gastroenterologist like the GI doctors at Reno endosopy if your symptoms occur at least once a week or they are severe. If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious conditions, including Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Our gastroenterologists  can assess your esophagus using diagnostic procedures such as an upper endoscopy. They will also ask about your family history, personal medical history, lifestyle, and diet to determine the cause of your symptoms.

High-Quality, Affordable Care from Expert Gastroenterologists in Reno, NV

At Digestive Health Center in Reno, every physician is fellowship-trained in gastroenterology and supported by expert medical staff. Patient experience is a top priority, but great healthcare doesn’t come at a premium, procedures cost a fraction of hospital-based procedures. Digestive Health Center offers convenient drop-off and pick-up, enhanced safety accreditations, and more privacy.

Go online to learn more about Digestive Health Center, schedule an appointment or give us a call. Our Reno GI doctors can answer all your questions and schedule your appointment.