If you’re dealing with chronic heartburn, you need to read this.

Almost everyone has experienced heartburn at some point. Unfortunately, there are many Americans who are dealing with chronic heartburn. Their current anecdote? To take an over-the-counter antacid. The problem with this is that this medication is not designed to be used daily or for more than two weeks. So instead of just taking a pill, it’s important to turn to our Plano, TX, gastroenterologist Dr. Sindhu Abraham so we can determine the cause.

What causes GERD?

There is a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter, and it opens to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach before closing again to prevent stomach acid from traveling back up the throat; however, if the lower esophageal sphincter is too relaxed or is weakened, it won’t close properly, which allows food and acid to travel back up the throat. This, in turn, leads to heartburn, regurgitation and GERD.

How do I know that I have GERD?

While the only way to know if you have GERD is to turn to our Plano, TX, gastroenterologist for an evaluation, certain symptoms could tip you off to the fact that you might be dealing with GERD. While frequent heartburn and regurgitation of food are common symptoms, they aren’t the only symptoms. Other signs of GERD include hoarseness, chronic cough, chest discomfort, nausea and trouble swallowing. If any of these symptoms persist, it’s time to call us.

How is GERD treated?

Taking antacids isn’t going to cut it when it comes to treating GERD. In fact, the side effects of taking these medications regularly can be detrimental to your health. So it’s important to recognize what triggers your GERD. The most common triggers are certain foods and drinks, including,

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Sodas and other carbonated beverages
• Fried foods
• Spicy foods

Removing these foods from your diet can certainly help. Other factors that can contribute to your GERD and make symptoms worse include,

• Being obese or overweight
• Dealing with a hiatal hernia
• Eating larger meals
• Eating right before bedtime
• Stress
• Magnesium deficiency
• pylori (a bacterial infection of the gut)
• Certain food sensitivities

It’s important to go over all of these factors with our Plano, TX, gastroenterologist to see which lifestyle and dietary changes can help you get your GERD under control. Certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers reduce or even entirely block stomach acid, allowing the esophagus time to heal. Certain supplements can help support a healthy gut, including digestive enzymes (taken before each meal), glutamine and magnesium.

If you are dealing with heartburn two or more times a week, it could be GERD, and it’s essential to turn to our Plano, TX, GI doctor Dr. Abraham for an evaluation to find out what’s going on and get the proper treatment. Call our office at (972) 867-0019.