Over 60 million Americans struggle with acid reflux at least once a month.1 Acid reflux can leave you in a great deal of discomfort with a burning sensation in your stomach and chest and is often worse after eating. In addition, acid reflux may cause nausea, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
What causes acid reflux?
The muscle valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs most commonly does not work correctly, allowing acid to make its way up the esophagus, causing burning pain and giving you a sour taste in your mouth. Three conditions contribute to acid reflux: poor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptying.
Can dietary changes help acid reflux?
Making dietary changes can help keep acid reflux at bay. Keeping a food journal is recommended as each person's triggers can differ. Common culprits are spicy foods, citrus, tomato sauces, and vinegar. Fatty and fried foods linger longer in the stomach. They can increase stomach pressure and force open the muscles that keep stomach acid out of the esophagus. Other common triggers are caffeine, onions, chocolate, peppermint, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
When to see a doctor for acid reflux?
If making dietary and lifestyle changes is ineffective, or you have severe pain or difficulty swallowing, see your health care provider to rule out other causes. You may also need medication to control reflux. If you experience acid reflux/heartburn more than twice a week over several weeks and need to take heartburn medication and antacids for your symptoms, call your doctor; surgery may be a solution when conservative measures have failed.
Contact Dr. Ahmad today and get back to enjoying meal time without the concern of acid reflux ruining the evening call 631-689-0220.
Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic robotic surgery and has performed over 2,000 laparoscopic robotic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success.
