How your gastroenterologist in Huntsville, AL, can help you get relief from GERD

If you suffer frequent bouts of heartburn, especially when you eat spicy food, you could have gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. Your gastroenterologist is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of GERD. Dr. Anthony Ugheoke at Associates In Gastroenterology in Huntsville, AL, provides a wide range of GI services, including treatment of GERD.

GERD is a common problem, affecting over 60 million people in the United States, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. If you are one of them, you want and deserve relief.

The condition is caused by stomach acid backing up into your esophagus. There is a sphincter muscle which protects your esophagus from stomach acid. When this sphincter muscle doesn’t close properly, stomach acid flows back into your esophagus.

You may have GERD if you notice:

• Frequent bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth
• Frequent sore throats, dry coughing, and wheezing
• Frequent nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
• Tooth sensitivity from erosion of your tooth enamel

Lifestyle modification can give you some relief from GERD. Remember to:

• Eat small meals instead of large meals
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco
• Avoid eating a large meal before bed
• Limit acidic or spicy foods
• Take over-the-counter antacid medications

If you have moderate to severe GERD symptoms, you should seek out the services of a gastroenterologist, who may recommend:

• Dietary and nutritional counseling
• Prescription-strength antacid medications
• Prescription-strength medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter muscle
• Surgical treatment for severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication therapy

Undiagnosed and untreated GERD can cause damage to your esophagus and even esophageal cancer. If you have more than occasional bouts of heartburn, you owe it to yourself to seek out an expert, your gastroenterologist.

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of GERD, call Dr. Anthony Ugheoke at Associates In Gastroenterology in Huntsville, AL. You can reach him in the office by calling (256) 883-0098, so call today.