Acid Reflux in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat exactly is acid reflux?
When we ingest food or liquids, they pass from our esophagus into the stomach. Between the esophagus and stomach there is a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle closes and opens, allowing food to pass through into the stomach.
Each of us has stomach acid to assist in the digestion of the food we consume. Unfortunately, if the LES does not close completely, it may allow a portion of that acid to move backward and up into the esophagus, sometimes doing damage and/or causing chronic acid reflux. This is when we experience “heartburn” from acid reflux because the acid creates the sensation of burning. At Arizona Digestive Health, our experienced gastroenterologists regularly help manage acid reflux and are able to help reduce heartburn and related symptoms. If you need acid reflux treatment in Arizona, reach out to our team today.
What are the causes of acid reflux or heartburn?
Although acid reflux is very common, there is no single, specific root cause of acid reflux. There are a number of components that might contribute to a weakening of the LES and could then permit acid from our stomach to flow back up the digestive tract. Acid reflux might be instigated by a number of foods, medications, pre-existing conditions, or even activities after consumption of food. A multitude of circumstances might impact a person's acid reflux in unique ways. Some common causes of acid reflux could include:
- A weak or compromised LES
- Smoking
- Consumption of alcohol (red wine in particular)
- Being or becoming pregnant
- Being obese or overweight
- Fatty or spicy foods
- Caffeine
- Eating a heavy meal then lying down
- Hiatal hernia
- Certain medications (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, muscle relaxers, and those for blood pressure)
- Low-fiber diet
- Sparkling drinks
- Chocolate, citrus fruits, peppermint, tomatoes, black pepper, garlic, and raw onions
What are common acid reflux symptoms?
Oftentimes, acid reflux is called heartburn. Common acid reflux symptoms might include:
- Chest pain
- Gas
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Dysphagia
- Regurgitation of sour liquids or food
- Unintentional weight loss
In the case that you are dealing with these symptoms persistently, then it is possible that you could suffer from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If this is the case, we urge you to reach out to an Arizona Digestive Health physician as soon as possible.
How can a person relieve acid reflux?
The optimal and most succsesful method for relieivng acid reflux is to consult with a board-certified gastroenterologist in Arizona. However, there are also some changes in lifestyle that can be implemented that could help lessen the severity and frequency of symptoms. These can include (but are not limited) to:
- Not eating for, at minimum, two hours before bedtime
- Disclosing to your GI specialist about current medications you are taking
- Avoidance of "trigger" foods and beverages
- Sleeping at an incline with your head raised above your feet
- Losing weight (if overweight)
- Consistently standing or sitting upright after eating
- Limiting your intake of caffeine
- Eating slowly and in moderation
- Stopping smoking
What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD?
The majority of adults have known the burning feeling of acid reflux at some point during their lives. However, GERD is the more dangerous and near constant type of acid reflux. GERD is commonly diagnosed when you experience acid reflux more than two times a week and you have swelling in your esophagus. If you struggle with the symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, please partner with a gastrointestinal specialist at your earliest opportunity.
Find treatment for acid reflux
When frequent acid reflux or other uncomfortable gastrointestinal symtpoms arise, we urge you to receive help from a GI physician. The skilled providers at Arizona Digestive Health work to inform and treat patients with GI problems, such as acid reflux and GERD. If you believe you may suffer from GERD or need help for acid reflux in Arizona, reach out to our location today to request a consultation.
Reviews
Dr Chirag D. Trivedi does not mess around. He is a top notch GI guy. He takes care of my routine colonoscopy and has taken care of emergency GI bleeds, acid reflux and other gastric issues. He is extremely intelligent and professional! I have a complex but manageable medical conditions, including kidney and cardiac and he works well with other physicians to protect my quality of life. He is careful to guard your overall health, does not run unnecessary tests nor over prescribe medications. He has a good gut instinct and a way of calming you down by being straight with you, confident in his knowledge. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone, especially patients who need to guard against other medical complications. Be Well.
Wow! Dr. Umar was great! I was so scared about having a colonoscopy until I confered with him...he set my mind at ease and answered all my questions, even about the endoscopy to check on my constant heartburn! Then it was all over so quickly (well, I did sleep thru the whole procedure, thank you, God!), and I went home feeling so comfortable about the whole thing that I am now bugging my husband to have a colonoscopy, too! The staff was also so reassuring. 5 stars to this facility and to Dr. Umar, my new hero!
Extremely knowledgable, patient and accommodating. Keeps himself updated on the latest surgical and medical techniques, and introduced me to a far better treatment for GERD than the standard Nissen. The TIF procedure he performed has been a life changer after suffering with acid reflux for 20 years. No ill effects, and I have absolutely no acid problems since the day the surgery was performed.
Went to see Dr. Nolan he was a referral from my primary care doctor. Was very professional and understanding about my stomach issues. Helping me out with my acid reflux.
Great doctor and so ready to be of service. A kind and gentle and very bright individual. Thanks Dr Kothur for all you do.
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4.9
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