You’re probably familiar with the uncomfortable sensation of heartburn, or acid reflux. It happens to almost all of us now and then: a burning discomfort in the mid-chest or throat after wolfing down a heavy meal, snacking on something spicy, or even drinking your morning coffee.
While it’s normal to have the occasional bout of heartburn, frequent episodes of acid reflux may signal a more serious medical condition. John M. Rivas, MD, and his team at Rivas Digestive Center offer comprehensive care and advanced treatment solutions for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic acid reflux.
The terms are often confused, but acid reflux and GERD aren’t the same thing. In this month’s post, we explore the difference between occasional episodes of acid reflux and GERD, and how heartburn can impact your health when it becomes chronic.
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, doesn’t close tightly enough. This allows stomach acid to escape and irritate the delicate lining of your esophagus.
Factors such as consuming spicy food, exercising after eating, or lying down after a large meal, may temporarily relax this muscle, triggering an episode of heartburn. If your acid reflux symptoms strike several times a week for multiple weeks, you may have GERD.
Beyond frequent heartburn, watch out for these other common signs of GERD:
If you’re among the 20% of Americans with GERD, seek treatment from trusted medical professionals like Dr. Rivas and his team. The chronic inflammation caused by frequent acid reflux can lead to serious health complications without proper care.
One such complication is Barrett’s esophagus. This condition occurs when repeated inflammation and exposure to stomach acid cause the lining of the esophagus to change, potentially increasing your risk of esophageal cancer. Other long-term effects of GERD may include:
For mild to moderate GERD, simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce symptoms. Dr. Rivas may suggest healthy changes to your routine, such as exercising more, eating smaller portions, quitting smoking, and avoiding trigger foods. Elevating the head of your bed or propping yourself up with a wedge pillow can also help naturally keep stomach acid down at night.
In more severe or persistent cases of GERD, Dr. Rivas may prescribe medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid. If medication isn’t effective, he may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to strengthen the LES muscle.
Are you dealing with frequent heartburn? For an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, call Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, or book an appointment online today.
