Acid Reflux Specialist
-
- Tweet
Stephen Steele, MD
Gastroenterologist & Internal Medicine Specialist located in Texarkana, TX
Acid reflux affects almost everyone at some point, causing heartburn and indigestion. Though acid reflux may be a short-lived problem, for some, it may become a chronic condition. At his practice in Texarkana, Texas, Stephen Steele, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating acid reflux. He takes a holistic approach to care, aiming to treat your whole health, not just your digestive concern. To get relief from your acid reflux, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Acid Reflux Q&A
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents from your stomach regurgitate up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation.
When you swallow food, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle that separates your esophagus and stomach relaxes, allowing food to pass through. With acid reflux, the LES relaxes when it shouldn’t.
Though acid reflux is common and may occur on occasion when you overeat, you may have recurring acid reflux during pregnancy or if you’re overweight or obese. Certain medications may also increase your risk of acid reflux.
When you have acid reflux more than two times a week, your condition is chronic and known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD may increase your risk of developing other health complications, such as esophageal strictures, esophagitis, or Barrett’s esophagus.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux. With heartburn, you feel a burning sensation in your chest that may also cause indigestion or make it feel as though you have something stuck in your throat.
Other symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Sour taste in the back of your throat
- Food regurgitation
- Bad breath
- Coughing
- Nausea
- Pain when you swallow
You may be able to treat occasional acid reflux symptoms with over-the-counter medication, but if your acid reflux is a regular occurrence, Dr. Steele can help.
What happens during an acid reflux evaluation?
When you come in for an acid reflux evaluation, Dr. Steele asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including the type of pain you feel, when it occurs, and the activities or medications that alleviate or worsen your symptoms.
He then performs a physical exam. Though Dr. Steele diagnoses acid reflux after a history and physical, he may request an upper endoscopy to evaluate your esophagus and stomach to look for signs of complications.
How is acid reflux treated?
Dr. Steele customizes your acid reflux treatment plan based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Initially, he may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the reflux, such as eating smaller meals, not eating too close to bedtime, or losing weight.
If lifestyle changes fail to improve your symptoms, he may recommend over-the-counter or prescription antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
When medication and lifestyle changes fail to improve your chronic acid reflux, Dr. Steele may talk to you about surgery to tighten your LES.
For management of your acid reflux from an experienced gastroenterologist, call the office of Stephen Steele, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.