If you’ve ever experienced the burning pain in your chest that comes along with acid reflux, then you know how uncomfortable it is to suffer from and still try to live a normal life.

Today, your committed McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will highlight what you should know about acid reflux and how to get rid of it.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a chronic disease caused when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time. This allows stomach acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn that can sometimes feel like a heart attack.

Poor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptying can all be factors that lead to acid reflux.

Who Is At Risk for Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux can affect people of all ages, including infants. The only people who have a higher risk of developing acid reflux are those with asthma.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

    • A burning sensation in your chest occurs usually after eating, which can worsen at night
    • Chest pain
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
    • A sensation of a lump in your throat

If you have nighttime acid reflux, you could also experience:

    • Chronic cough
    • Laryngitis
    • New or worsening asthma
    • Disrupted sleep

Acid reflux can also contribute to sinusitis. This is due to the fact that the acid can travel up to your nose and sinuses. This acid causes inflammation in the nose and sinus linings.

How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux

If you’re looking for a way to relieve acid reflux without medication, you could try the following:

  • Eat sparingly and slowly

When the stomach is full, there can be more reflux in the esophagus. If you can, eat small meals frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals.

  • Avoid certain foods

Certain foods like mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, alcohol, and chocolate can all trigger acid reflux. It is in your best interest to avoid these foods if you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms.

  • Avoid carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages are responsible for making you burp, meaning that they send acid into the esophagus. If you are suffering from acid reflux, make sure to drink water.

  • Don’t lay down after eating

Gravity helps keep acid in the stomach so it is highly advised not to lay down after eating. Stay standing or even sitting up instead.

  • If you smoke, consider quitting

Nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux.

If none of these solutions help relieve your acid reflux, it is important to seek medical care. Your primary care doctor will then refer you to an ENT. ENTs have extensive experience with diagnosing acid reflux.

Once in the office, your specialist will use an endoscopy to diagnose your condition. After providing a diagnosis, your ENT will offer a treatment plan to treat your acid reflux.

Stop your acid reflux symptoms today by seeing the Glatz Group of Valley ENT.

No one wants to live with heartburn every day. Get treated by the specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT today.

Book Your Appointment Today