Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux can create a range of unpleasant symptoms, making it hard to enjoy your daily routine. For residents of Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the multidisciplinary team at AssociatesMD is a wonderful resource for top-quality care. Schedule an appointment today by calling the office or spending a few moments on the online booking page.

What are some signs I might have gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly called acid reflux, occurs when the acid that breaks down food in your stomach flows upward into your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.

Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to seek medical help. Some of the signs of GERD include:

• Pain in your upper belly or chest
• Backwash of food
• A sour taste in your mouth
• Feeling as though you have a lump in your throat
• Unexplained, ongoing cough

Heartburn is one of the primary symptoms of GERD. Heartburn presents as a burning sensation in your chest. Many people notice heartburn after eating a large meal, or when they are lying down.

What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Consider the anatomy of the upper portion of your digestive tract. When you eat, food moves from your mouth into your esophagus. At the base of the esophagus is a sphincter, a circular band of muscle tissue.

This lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow food and fluid to pass into your stomach, and contracts to close that opening and allow your stomach to take over the digestive process. If this sphincter is not functioning properly, acid from your stomach can flow back into your esophagus.

A number of things can cause or contribute to GERD. These factors include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Pregnancy
• Consuming large meals
• Eating close to bedtime
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Hiatal hernia
• Certain medications

Your specialist begins by exploring the cause of your symptoms and then creates a customized treatment plan.

Are there treatments that can help control the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Medication can control some symptoms. There are antacids that can help neutralize stomach acids to prevent burning sensations. You might also try medications that reduce acid production and help heal damaged esophageal tissue.

If you are significantly overweight, one of the best ways to reduce GERD symptoms is to move closer to a healthy weight. The team at AssociatesMD offers medically supervised weight loss treatment that can help.

In some cases, surgical intervention is the best way to permanently improve GERD symptoms. If surgery is right for you, your specialist will discuss options, what to expect, and how to prepare.

When you’re ready to learn more, reach out to AssociatesMD online or by phone to book a visit.