Acid Reflux Treatment Specialist in Kissimmee FL, and Orlando, FL

Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common medical condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It occurs when the contents of the stomach, including acid and digestive enzymes, flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. 

It starts in the esophagus which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When working properly, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)) closes to stop stomach contents from flowing backward into the esophagus. However, in people with acid reflux disease, the LES may not function properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. 

Symptoms of acid reflux disease can vary from mild to severe and may include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth. These symptoms can be exacerbated by eating certain foods, such as spicy or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Acid reflux is a very unpleasant and uncomfortable condition that often causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat. The feeling is often described as a hot, sour, or bitter taste in your mouth. It can also cause difficulty swallowing, coughing, chest pain, and nausea. 

Many people describe feeling a sense of discomfort or pressure in their upper abdomen. They may also experience bloating or a feeling of being overly full. 

The symptoms of acid reflux can be so severe that they interrupt people’s daily activities, making it difficult to work, sleep or eat comfortably. In some cases, it can even cause significant anxiety or depression due to the severity of the symptoms.

A gastroenterologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. They are experts in the care of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Their expertise enables them to identify the root cause of acid reflux and develop a personalized treatment plan accordingly. 

During the initial consultation, the gastroenterologist will perform a thorough evaluation looking for signs and symptoms of acid reflux. They may conduct several medical tests such as endoscopy, manometry, and pH monitoring to reach a proper diagnosis. 

Once diagnosed, the gastroenterologist will suggest an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Typically, this will include lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain foods, weight loss, and quitting smoking. They may also prescribe medication such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids.

There are several ways you can relieve acid reflux and reduce your overall discomfort. This includes: 
 
Changing your eating habits: Eating large meals may exacerbate acid reflux, so try to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Avoid eating heavy, spicy, or fatty foods, as these can trigger acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, avoid eating within two to three hours of bedtime to give your stomach enough time to digest your food. 

Losing weight: If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight (even just a few pounds) can help reduce the chances of acid reflux. Extra weight can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid to flow back up into the esophagus. 

Elevating the head of your bed: If you experience acid reflux symptoms at night, try elevating the head of your bed by six to eight inches. This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into your esophagus. 

Avoiding smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can both exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Try to quit smoking or at least cut back on your tobacco use. Likewise, limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether. 

Taking over-the-counter medications: Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are all medications that can help relieve acid reflux symptoms. 

Practicing stress-reducing techniques: Stress can cause acid reflux symptoms to worsen, so try to manage your stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. 

By making these lifestyle changes and utilizing over-the-counter medications, you can significantly reduce the discomfort of acid reflux. If your symptoms persist or get worse, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we offer acid reflux treatment to get you feeling your best again. Contact us today for more information about our GERD treatment options or, when ready, you can also book an appointment online at your earliest convenience. We have convenient locations to serve you in Kissimmee FL, and Orlando FL. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, Celebration FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Williamsburg FL, and Hunters Creek FL.