Acid Reflux Q&A with Dr. Bernshteyn
Michelle Bernshteyn, MD
Gastroenterology
Q: What is acid reflux, and how does it differ from GERD?
A: Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels the wrong way and goes up into your swallowing tube, called the esophagus. This can cause heartburn or leave a sour taste in your mouth. If this happens a lot and food or acid keeps coming back up, doctors call it GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Remember, you can have acid reflux from time to time without having GERD. GERD is just a more serious, frequent version of it.
Q: What are the most common symptoms of acid reflux?
A: Heartburn is the most common sign. You will feel a burning sensation in your chest. Another big sign is spitting up small amounts of sour liquid or food (regurgitation). You might also feel chest pain. Sometimes people get unusual signs, like a lasting cough, a rough voice, feeling like a lump is stuck in their throat, or having trouble swallowing. The acid can even wear down your teeth over time.
Q: What causes acid reflux, and are there common triggers?
A: A special ring of muscle acts like a door between your swallowing tube and your stomach. It is supposed to open to let food in and close to keep acid out. Acid reflux happens when this muscle gets weak or relaxes when it should not.
Certain habits and foods can trigger this problem. Eating large meals right before bed, lying perfectly flat, carrying extra body weight and smoking can all make it worse. Foods and drinks that often cause trouble include fried foods, chocolate, coffee, soda, tomatoes, lemons, oranges and spicy meals.
Q: How is acid reflux diagnosed, and when should someone see a doctor?
A: Many diagnoses of acid reflux are made solely based upon symptoms and response to treatment. For those with classic GERD symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) without significant alarm symptoms, doctors might ask you to try a special medicine to block stomach acid for eight weeks.
If the medicine does not work, or if you have warning signs for Barrett’s esophagus, your doctor might recommend an endoscopy. Warning signs include pain when swallowing, losing weight without trying or throwing up. During an endoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a tiny camera on a flexible tube to look into the mouth down into the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Patients are given sedative medications to relax or sleep during this procedure.
You should see a doctor if changing your diet does not stop the burning or if the symptoms make it hard to enjoy your day.