Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that can significantly affect your quality of life.  It develops when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.  These symptoms can occur frequently and interfere with your ability to complete your daily activities.  You may also experience difficulty sleeping, and your symptoms may worsen when lying down, leading to fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating during the day.  GERD San Antonio can also affect your dietary choices, as certain foods can trigger symptoms, resulting in limited food options and decreased enjoyment of meals.

Signature symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease

The symptoms of GERD can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include a burning sensation in your chest, the feeling of stomach acid or food coming up into your throat, and chest pain.  You may also experience difficulty swallowing, coughing, and hoarseness.  The symptoms may worsen when eating, and the discomfort can persist for several hours.

Although chest pain is a signature symptom of this disorder, some people may mistake it for a heart attack.  GERD may also disrupt your sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep.  The constant discomfort and pain associated with GERD can also lead to anxiety and depression, further affecting your quality of life.  If left untreated, this disorder can result in complications bleeding, and ulcers in your esophagus.

Diagnostic techniques for GERD

During your appointment at the Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC, Dr. Narvaez may perform a comprehensive physical exam and review your medical history.  He may also discuss your symptoms and examine you for signs of acid reflux, such as inflammation or irritation in the throat, mouth, or esophagus.  Your provider may also listen to your breathing to determine if you have any breathing difficulties.  The team may conduct additional, such as an upper endoscopy or a pH test.  An upper endoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into your throat to look for any damage or inflammation in your esophagus or stomach.  A pH test involves measuring the acid levels in your esophagus over 24 hours using a small tube inserted through your nose and into your esophagus.

Available treatments for GERD

After diagnosis, your doctor may discuss the results and treatment options before developing a personalized treatment plan.  They may recommend minor lifestyle adjustments such as losing weight and avoiding lying down after meals.  You may also need to avoid spicy foods and citrus fruits that may trigger or worsen your symptoms.  Additionally, elevating the head of the bed can help reduce symptoms.

Over-the-counter antacids and H2 blockers can provide short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid or reducing its production.  For more severe or frequent symptoms, your doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production.  If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may recommend a barium X-ray to identify underlying issues.  In severe cases, your provider may recommend surgery to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter or repair a hiatal hernia contributing to GERD symptoms.

If you experience GERD symptoms, call Dr. Narvaez or book your spot online for diagnosis and treatment.