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Many people suffer from acid reflux, and most of the time, it’s not severe – but when it continues, you may have a condition called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Jack Husney, MD, provides fast and efficient care in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn. Without treatment, GERD affects every aspect of your life and causes moderate-to-severe discomfort. Call Dr. Husney today at his New York City practice, or request a consultation on the website.
GERD Q & A
What is GERD?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, happens when the acid from your stomach frequently backs up into the esophagus, causing pain and discomfort.
The stomach acid that backs into the esophagus irritates the tissues, which causes the unpleasant symptoms associated with GERD.
Acid reflux sometimes happens after a spicy meal, but it often disappears. GERD occurs when reflux happens habitually, even with home treatments.
You can usually manage GERD symptoms independently with simple lifestyle changes or prescription medications. Rarely do people require surgery to control acid reflux associated with GERD.
What causes GERD?
The leading cause of GERD is acid backing into the esophagus. Still, there are other risk factors associated with the condition, including:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Eating large meals
Frequently eating fried foods or meals high in fat can also trigger the symptoms of GERD. You’re also at risk if you often take aspirin or drink a large amount of coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
Do I have GERD?
Having acid reflux occasionally isn’t uncommon, but dealing with it regularly is a problem. You may have GERD if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Burning in your chest after eating
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling a “lump” in your throat
- Regurgitation of food
- Upper abdominal pain
- A chronic cough
One or more of these symptoms with frequent acid reflux signals that you may have GERD. However, you must see Dr. Husney for an official diagnosis and the correct treatment.
Can GERD be treated?
Dr. Husney offers lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment for GERD. For example, losing weight helps your symptoms if you’re obese, and eating more than three hours before bed also provides relief.
You can cut back on caffeinated beverages, avoid lying down after eating, and avoid medications that irritate the stomach.
In some cases, you may require prescription medications to relieve your symptoms. These medications include proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, which provide more extended relief than over-the-counter antacids.
In rare cases, people require surgery to relieve severe symptoms of GERD. Dr. Husney thoroughly evaluates your symptoms and health to determine the best treatment route for GERD.
To get help for GERD, call Jack Husney, MD, today at his Brooklyn, New York, office or request a consultation on the website.