Am I Suffering From Acid Reflux?
Do you stress out when it comes to bedtime or going out with friends? Not knowing when a bout of acid reflux is going to hit can be stressful and ruin your evening. Luckily, there are some things you and your doctor can do to help you once a diagnosis is made. But, how do you know it’s acid reflux? What can be mistaken for acid reflux? And, how do you cure acid reflux fast? Let’s dig right in and cover the answers to all of your questions.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Most people think acid reflux is normal – to a certain extent, it can be. However, persistent symptoms that last, day after day, are a cause for concern (for many reasons). Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a symptom that consists of a burning sensation in the chest that can sometimes make it all the way up to your pharynx and back into your trachea. Generally speaking, persistent reflux is a symptom of GERD.
What Can Be Mistaken for Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux can be confused with other conditions. For example, it’s completely normal to have gastric upset and trouble keeping food down when you have overeaten. A full stomach has a harder time keeping that lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closed to keep food in! Other conditions that might be mistaken for acid reflux could be things like esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, and achalasia.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that you see a doctor or specialist about any persistent acid reflux that you experience. It’s not worth missing potentially serious issues.
So, How Do You Know It’s Acid Reflux?
A physician will be able to refer you for tests to rule out other, more complicated issues based on your symptoms. If you only have infrequent heartburn, your doctor will probably have you try to avoid your triggers and manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes.
Be very cautious and make sure to stand up for yourself if your doctor wishes to simply put you on PPI or H2 blocker medication rather than investigate and fix the root cause of your issue. These medications can be helpful in the short term but are hard to wean off of (and can cause more issues than they are worth).
How Do You Cure Acid Reflux Fast?
The fastest way to tame an acid reflux attack is definitely with antacids. However, this doesn’t solve your root problem and cure you. Unfortunately, the only way to 100% prevent the symptoms of GERD is to alter the structure and integrity of the LES. This can be done with three different surgical procedures: Lap Nissen, LINX, and TIF.
Can I Find Acid Reflux Treatment in Tampa Bay?
Yes!
Luckily, here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, we have a team of highly-trained GERD and reflux professionals that operates under the Tampa Bay Reflux Center. Led by our very own Dr. Donovan Tapper, the Tampa Bay Reflux Center offers all three of the procedures listed above. Dr. Tapper and his team can also help you navigate making lifestyle changes if you aren’t quite ready to commit to surgery yet. Get in touch with them today or ask for a referral from your primary care physician!