Gastroesophageal reflux disease — commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn — is an uncomfortable and disruptive condition that causes a range of persistent, uncomfortable symptoms.
About one-fifth of the population of the United States suffers from GERD, so it’s a significant problem for many.
But how can you distinguish whether your GERD symptoms are an infrequent passing thing or a chronic condition that can truly disrupt your life?
At Eisenman & Eisenman Advanced Gastro Consultants, our highly competent and compassionate provider team can accurately diagnose GERD and provide advanced treatment, so you can enjoy eating again — without worrying about the negative consequences!
There’s no way to miss acid reflux symptoms, which arise after eating when your stomach acid improperly shoots backward into your esophagus, rather than remaining in your stomach to assist with digestion.
Challenging symptoms include:
Certain symptoms, however, increase the chances that you’re dealing with chronic GERD that needs to be well-managed.
You’re considered to have chronic GERD if your reflux episodes occur at least twice a week for several weeks.
In other words, when your reflux instances aren’t “only once in a while,” this indicates your GERD is chronic.
With persistent GERD, esophageal damage can lead to serious problems such as scarring and an esophageal stricture (a narrowing of the esophagus).
Barrett’s esophagus can also develop. This is a condition in which the lining of the swallowing tube connecting your mouth to your stomach is damaged by acid reflux and becomes thick and red.
Living with Barrett’s esophagus also increases your risk for esophageal cancer (about 1 in 200 with Barrett’s esophagus develop it each year), so it’s important to get imaging tests and, if your doctor advises it, biopsies done regularly to uncover anything unusual as early as possible.
In addition to indicating a cardiac event, chest discomfort and tightness are signs of chronic GERD.
If swallowing has become difficult, this is a sign of chronic GERD, and it develops as a result of esophageal scarring and inflammation.
Acid regurgitation causes a constant bitter or sour taste in your mouth or the back of your throat. This may prompt a lowering of appetite or simply make you dread eating.
When you come to Eisenman & Eisenman Advanced Gastro Consultants for diagnosis or treatment of GERD, you’re treated respectfully, promptly, and always with a patient-centered approach.
To ensure we can make an accurate GERD diagnosis, we will have a detailed discussion with you about your symptoms, diet, and personal medical history. You may also need an advanced test that measures your esophageal pH levels, called Bravo esophageal pH testing.
When creating your customized GERD treatment plan, we may recommend:
Lifestyle modifications also play a prominent role in easing GERD symptoms. These include maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking if you’re a smoker, and avoiding eating too close to bedtime.
If you’re suspicious that your reflux symptoms could actually be chronic GERD, don’t wait any longer to get evaluated at Eisenman & Eisenman Advanced Gastro Consultants. Then you can get on the road to recovery and a higher quality of life.
Contact our Lake Worth office at 561-753-7487 or use our convenient online booking tool.
