Acid reflux is common and may occasionally occur, particularly after eating certain meals. Most people experience acid reflux for an hour a day without having any symptoms, and it often resolves without the use of medication. However, persons with chronic heartburn require professional care as it might develop into GERD, resulting in cancer, esophageal damage, and other consequences if it remains unaddressed. At AMI Surgery, the surgical experts may suggest medications, lifestyle modifications, surgery, or a blend of these to help you find relief of your acid reflux in Port Chester, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment to explore your care options.
What is Acid Reflux?
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circle of muscle at the stomach’s entry, acts as a valve. Typically, the LES shuts immediately once food passes through it. However, suppose the LES fails to shut completely or opens severally. In that case, the acid generated by your stomach may travel up into your esophagus, resulting in a condition known as acid reflux.
Some of the common symptoms of acid reflux include:
· Burning chest pain; heartburn
· Bloating
· A bitter or sour-tasting acid backs up into your mouth or throat, causing regurgitation
· Burping
· Nausea
· Unexpected weight loss
· Dysphagia; feeling of food becomes trapped in your throat
· Chronic sore throat, wheezing, hoarseness, or dry cough
What Are the Options for Treating Acid Reflux?
In numerous circumstances, a combination of lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter drugs is all that you require to manage acid reflux disease symptoms.
Antacids like Maalox, Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, Riopan, or Rolaids may help neutralize stomach acid. However, if you use them too often, they can lead to constipation or diarrhea. It is preferable to take antacids that constitute aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. When used together, they can assist in alleviating certain gastrointestinal adverse effects.
If antacids do not work, your doctor may recommend a different prescription. These might include drugs such as Proton pump inhibitors, foaming agents, H2 blockers, and Prokinetics. Consult your doctor to find out what prescription is right for you.
How Does Surgery Treat Acid Reflux?
If drugs and lifestyle adjustments entirely fail to offer relief for your acid reflux symptoms and are seriously impacting your life, your specialist may suggest surgery. The typical surgery recommended by your specialist is Nissen fundoplication. This procedure entails tying the lower esophagus’ end to support the lower esophageal sphincter.
One alternative for undertaking the Nissen fundoplication is minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This treatment avoids the huge cuts required in conventional, open surgery. Advantages of this procedure include less discomfort and pain, less recovery time, and reduced scarring.
Other treatment options provided by the AMI Surgery specialists include Transoral incisionless fundoplication surgery. The practitioners employ cutting-edge endoscopic techniques and medical technologies to ensure that the procedure is comfortable and successful.
If constant acid reflux impacts your life quality, determine whether conservative approaches or surgery could help you find relief for your symptoms. Contact the AMI Surgery office over the phone or schedule an initial consultation today to get started.
