| You are here: Home > News & Resources > Loyola's Printed Publications > Loyola Living Fall 2007 Issue > Soothing the Burn of Acid Reflux
Soothing the Burn of Chronic Acid Reflux
Q&A with Dr. Jack Leya: Simple steps and diagnostic precautions can make acid reflux more manageable.
Q: What is acid reflux?
A: Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition that results from the acid in the stomach habitually backing up or refluxing into the esophagus. Damage to the esophagus occurs as a result of prolonged and frequent acid exposure.
Q: What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
A: Many patients with acid reflux experience heartburn, sour or bitter taste and excessive saliva. Difficulty swallowing usually indicates complications from acid reflux disease and |
|
should be evaluated by a physician. Atypical symptoms also include asthma, regurgitation and aspiration of food, chronic hoarseness and clearing of the throat. Acid reflux should always be considered in patients experiencing chest pain who have no other signs of a heart condition.
Q: How can you control symptoms of acid reflux?
A: The best way to treat acid reflux is to lower the acid in the stomach. This can be done with medication — specifically with proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec or Nexium, or H2 blockers such as Pepcid or Zantac. Modifying your diet and eating habits is also important. To decrease your chance of getting heartburn, avoid foods that are spicy, high in fat or high in sugar, especially three hours before bedtime. Large amounts of coffee, citrus fruits/juices, and alcohol also should be avoided.
Q: Are there long-term effects of this condition?
A: Patients with poorly controlled acid reflux are at higher risk for developing esophagitis, which is an irritation of the esophagus. This may lead to ulcers, bleeding and narrowing of the esophagus. These patients can also develop what is known as Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that puts them at a higher risk for developing esophageal cancer.
Q: What should I do if my acid reflux doesn’t improve?
A: Patients who have chronic acid reflux should have an upper GI endoscopy (examination of the esophagus with a camera) to determine whether they have Barrett’s esophagus, assess the risk for cancer and develop a
treatment plan. A biopsy performed during the endoscopy will determine whether the patient has Barrett’s esophagus.
If the patient has Barrett’s esophagus with precancerous cells, he or she should have further evaluation using an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Using high frequency sound waves, this instrument is used to assess the extent of the disease. EUS produces high-resolution images that allow physicians to carefully examine the lining and walls of the gastrointestinal tract, accurately look for any tumors and determine the proper treatment. EUS is the most sensitive and specific method for the evaluation of esophageal, stomach and pancreatic tumors.
Think You Might Have Acid Reflux?
Check with your doctor first. Then call (888) LUHS-888 to schedule an appointment with a Loyola gastroenterologist.
|
