Acid reflux happens when stomach contents rise back up into your esophagus. This habit is also known as acid regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux. If you suffer acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 20% of Americans have GERD. If left untreated, it can occasionally cause major issues. Your chest may feel as if it’s on fire, and the pain may travel to your neck and throat. This discomfort is commonly referred to as heartburn.
If you have acid reflux, the back of your mouth may begin to taste sour or bitter. It may also cause food or liquid to come back up into your mouth from your stomach. Other GERD symptoms and signs include:
- A burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
- Backwash of food or sour liquid
- Upper abdominal or chest pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
If you or a loved one frequently experiences acid reflux, make an appointment with our internal medicine to see if it is a symptom of GERD.
Preventive measures can help to minimize and prevent GERD. To control and relieve GERD symptoms, your doctor may advise you to change some aspects of your lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, avoiding large meals at night and laying down after eating, and sleeping with your head raised.
Our primary care provider in Charlotte, North Carolina, will gladly examine you to determine whether or not you have GERD.
Contact Prime Health Medical Clinic at any time to learn more about our medical clinic!
We also offer palliative medicine in North Carolina.
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