When is acid reflux a cause for concern?
Are you noticing a gnawing or burning in your chest after eating? If so, you’re probably dealing with acid reflux. While the occasional bout of acid reflux can often be quelled with over-the-counter medications, if you find yourself popping antacids regularly this is a sign that you should turn to our Encino, CA, gastroenterologists Dr. Mordo Suchov and Dr. Alan Naim to discuss more effective acid reflux treatment options.
What is acid reflux?
Ever experience that burning in your chest after eating (hello, heartburn)? Ever noticed an acidic, metallic taste in the back of your throat? Does food travel back up your throat (known as regurgitation)? If you said “yes” you’re probably dealing with acid reflux.
What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux isn’t something to ignore. Heartburn and acid reflux are incredibly common issues we see at our Encino, CA, practice and it’s important to figure out why it’s happening in the first place. Before we treat the problem the best question we can ask is, “What is causing your acid reflux?” There are many causes for acid reflux including diet. Here are some foods that can trigger acid reflux,
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- Tomatoes and tomato-based products
- Processed Foods
- Citrus fruits
Your diet and lifestyle habits can also give us a clue as to possible acid reflux triggers. You may be more likely to deal with acid reflux if,
- You eat right before bed
- You eat large meals
- You are overweight
- You are living with chronic stress
- You have food sensitivities
- You have bacterial or yeast overgrowth in your gut
- You have an H. Pylori infection
When should I see a gastroenterologist?
If your acid reflux is occurring a couple of times a week or you’ve been dealing with it off and on for a while, the worst thing you could do is to continue to pop antacids. An acid blocker isn’t going to solve these issues, even though they may ease symptoms. Our Encino, CA, gastroenterologists need to get to the root of the problem, which is often related to your gut, and provide you with effective solutions.
While prescription medications such as H2 blockers can help alleviate symptoms, our goal is to figure out why you are dealing with acid reflux and stop it at the source. After all, acid blockers can deplete important vitamins and minerals in your body which can lead to further digestive issues.
Don’t let acid reflux ruin mealtimes again. The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California are here to help. Call us at (818) 905-1567 to schedule a consultation with our team.