A burning sensation in your chest, a sour taste in the mouth, or a feeling of burning in the chest after eating are all possible indications of acid reflux. Perhaps you experience acid reflux now and then. If you have frequent occurrences or a persistent feeling, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent digestive disorder in America, and it can interfere with daily living when symptoms become chronic. By learning what symptoms, causes, treatments, and when to see a physician, you can cope with acid reflux as a result.
What Is Acid Reflux and GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux) occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus (the pipe that connects your mouth to your stomach). It can irritate the lining of the esophagus and can mean symptoms like heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth.
Chronic acid reflux disease (GERD) is a long-term occurrence of acid reflux. This happens when reflux persists, with significant symptoms or complications.
Having occasional acid reflux does not mean you have GERD. Your doctor can assess the frequency of your symptoms and their severity.
What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Heartburn is one of the most recognized symptoms of acid reflux. It often feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone and may become worse after eating or lying down.
Other acid reflux symptoms can include:
Burning in the chest or upper abdomen
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Regurgitation of food or stomach contents
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
Frequent burping
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Symptoms that become worse when lying down
Not everyone experiences GERD in the same way. Some people may have primarily digestive symptoms, while others may experience throat or respiratory symptoms.
What Causes GERD?
GERD can occur when the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that normally helps prevent stomach contents from moving backward, does not function properly.
Several factors may contribute to acid reflux, including:
Being overweight or obese
Eating large meals
Eating close to bedtime
Certain foods and beverages
Smoking
Pregnancy
Certain medications
A hiatal hernia
Lying down soon after eating
Individual triggers can vary. A food that causes symptoms for one person may not affect another person in the same way.
What Foods Can Trigger Acid Reflux?
Certain foods and beverages may worsen acid reflux symptoms in some people. Common triggers include:
Spicy foods
High-fat or fried foods
Chocolate
Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
Alcohol
Carbonated drinks
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes and tomato-based foods
Large or heavy meals
You do not necessarily need to eliminate every food on this list. Keeping track of what you eat and when symptoms occur can help identify your personal triggers.
How Is Acid Reflux Treated?
The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease often involves the use of drugs.
Changes in lifestyle may alleviate symptoms by reducing the amount of food ingested, including eating smaller portions, avoiding individual trigger foods, remaining upright for as long as possible after eating, maintaining a reasonable weight where relevant, and not eating just before bed.
For nocturnal symptoms, elevating the head of the bed may also help reduce reflux.
Over-the-counter medications can provide relief for some people. These include antacids and certain acid-reducing medications. However, frequent or long-term use should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms continue despite treatment.
A healthcare provider may recommend prescription medication when appropriate.
Can GERD Be Treated Through Telehealth?
Yes, telehealth can be a convenient option for discussing many acid reflux and GERD symptoms with a healthcare provider.
During an online doctor appointment, your provider may ask about:
Your symptoms and how often they occur
Foods or activities that trigger symptoms
Whether symptoms occur during the day or at night
Any medications or supplements you take
Your medical history
Previous treatments you have tried
Any difficulty swallowing or other concerning symptoms
Based on your symptoms and medical history, a provider can discuss lifestyle changes, over-the-counter options, prescription treatment when appropriate, and whether you need an in-person evaluation.
Virtual healthcare services can be particularly convenient for people who have recurring symptoms and need guidance without making an unnecessary trip to a medical office.
However, telemedicine is not appropriate for every situation. Some symptoms require an in-person examination or additional testing.
When Should You See a Doctor for Acid Reflux?
Heartburn from time to time is generally not a cause for concern. If you are experiencing heartburn or reflux on a regular basis, or if your symptoms are affecting your sleep or daily routine, you should speak to a doctor.
Consult your healthcare professional if lifestyle measures and over-the-counter remedies are unsuccessful in alleviating symptoms.
You should seek urgent medical attention for severe or unexplained chest pain, particularly if it occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, neck, or back. Heart-related conditions can sometimes cause symptoms that resemble heartburn.
You should also promptly discuss symptoms such as difficulty or pain when swallowing, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools with a healthcare professional.
Can GERD Cause a Chronic Cough?
GERD can sometimes contribute to a chronic cough. Stomach contents that move into the esophagus may irritate the throat, and reflux can sometimes affect the upper airway.
However, a chronic cough can have many possible causes, including asthma, allergies, infections, medications, and other conditions. It should not automatically be attributed to acid reflux.
If you have a persistent cough, an online doctor or other healthcare provider can help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
How Can You Prevent Acid Reflux?
Small changes to your daily routine may help reduce reflux symptoms.
Consider:
Eating smaller meals
Avoiding foods that consistently trigger your symptoms
Staying upright after eating
Avoiding meals shortly before bedtime
Maintaining a healthy weight when appropriate
Limiting alcohol if it triggers symptoms
Avoiding smoking
Keeping a record of your symptoms and potential triggers
Your healthcare provider can help you determine which changes are most appropriate for your situation.
Get Help for Persistent Acid Reflux
You don't need to just dismiss your heartburn or attempt to self-treat ongoing acid reflux. Scheduling a visit with a virtual healthcare specialist may be the best first step when seeking answers for symptoms.
Humancare Connect makes it convenient to connect with healthcare providers through telehealth from the comfort of your home.
If heartburn, regurgitation, or other reflux symptoms are becoming frequent or interfering with your everyday life, schedule an online doctor appointment to discuss your symptoms and next steps.