Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), can cause symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Nearly everyone experiences heartburn now and then, especially after a big meal or spicy food. Occasional GER is not uncommon.
But if you find yourself reaching for antacids more days than not or waking up at night with a burning sensation in your chest or throat, it might be time to talk to a specialist here at Las Vegas Gastroenterology.
When acid reflux occurs frequently or becomes chronic, it may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is more severe and can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Our two board-certified gastroenterologists — Noel Fajardo, MD, and Filippo Cremonini, MD — may recommend an upper endoscopy to confirm if you have GERD.
In the meantime, here are some signs that it’s time to see us about acid reflux.
You don’t necessarily need to see an expert for acid reflux if you have it only occasionally, but how do you know what’s normal and what’s not? The frequency and severity of your symptoms can be good clues to examine.
You can manage occasional acid reflux with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle tweaks.
For example, about 25% of pregnant women may experience occasional acid reflux, especially during their third trimesters. This can be mitigated with pregnancy-safe antacids, avoiding laying down after eating, and sleeping with your head elevated.
But persistent symptoms could signal a deeper issue. You should see an expert if you experience:
These symptoms may indicate GERD or other gastrointestinal conditions that require professional care here in our Las Vegas, Nevada, locations.
Note: Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. If you have other symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, jaw pain, sweating, nausea, or shoulder pain, go to the nearest emergency room.
Chest pain related to GERD is called noncardiac chest pain. It’s often described as a burning sensation.
You may be tempted to power through acid reflux, pop a few antacids, and be on your way. But untreated acid reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus and contribute to inflammation (esophagitis), ulcers, scarring, and even precancerous changes known as Barrett’s esophagus.
Talk to an expert about your acid reflux to help manage the condition and avoid these complications.
Most importantly, the sooner you reach out for help, the sooner you can get relief from chronic acid reflux. This can improve your quality of sleep, help you enjoy meals again, and reduce the risk of long-term complications so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
Before we explore any treatment option, the first step is to get a clear picture of what’s going on. We review your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform diagnostic tests like an upper endoscopy or pH monitoring.
If you’re already showing signs of Barrett’s esophagus, we can perform a biopsy during your upper endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. This comprehensive approach can confirm if you have occasional acid reflux or the more severe GERD.
From there, we customize a treatment plan that may include:
In some cases, we may recommend surgical options if your symptoms don’t improve with medication.
Fundoplication, for example, is a surgical procedure that strengthens the valve between your esophagus and stomach to prevent acid reflux. It’s the most common surgery for GERD, and it’s often used when lifestyle changes and medications aren’t effective.
If acid reflux is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait. Getting expert help can bring lasting relief and protect your long-term health. Schedule an appointment at either of our Las Vegas, Nevada, locations.
