The breakdown of food in your stomach plays a crucial part in digestion, a task performed by stomach acid, also known as gastric acid, a colorless, watery fluid produced in the lining of this organ. It deconstructs everything from meats to fibrous plant matter using a combination of chemicals, primarily hydrochloric acid.
Problems with the stomach and connected digestive organs can cause several issues, with acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) being two very common gastric conditions. While they have similar effects on the body, there are key differences between the conditions that can affect how we treat them.
Residents of Kinston, Jacksonville, and Gastonia, North Carolina, dealing with the symptoms of acid reflux, GERD, or other digestive problems can find help with Dr. Eric Ibegbu and our experienced medical staff at Atlantic Medical Group.
This problem occurs when stomach acid, which helps break down food, moves up into your esophagus and throat. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close completely. Your LES is a valve between your esophagus and stomach that closes when food travels down, and if it opens too frequently or never completely closes, acid can escape.
Several issues can cause this problem to develop, including a hiatal hernia, obesity, smoking, and taking certain medications (aspirin, muscle relaxers, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure medications). Eating habits can also contribute to this occurring, such as eating too close to bedtime, eating large meals, and a diet heavy in citrus, chocolate, tomato, and spicy foods.
GERD happens when acid reflux is persistent and can cause similar symptoms that may worsen over time. Heartburn often happens in both conditions, and other symptoms, such as food backwash, sour liquid in the throat, chest or upper belly pain, and dysphagia (trouble swallowing), can also occur.
Over time, GERD can lead to other issues, such as laryngitis, new or worsening asthma, and chronic coughing. Long-term damage can include esophagitis, an esophageal stricture (when the food tube narrows), and a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
Since many symptoms are similar, knowing the difference is crucial to proper treatment. Acute issues with acid reflux can often be managed with over-the-counter medications or prescriptions. Long-term GERD may require treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, while surgery to repair the esophageal sphincter may be necessary in some cases.
If you have acid reflux and can’t manage the symptoms on your own, you should get medical help, especially if the problems persist, interrupt your daily routine, or lead to issues like difficulty swallowing. Seek immediate medical help if you experience persistent vomiting, sudden weight loss, vomit with blood, or black or bloody stool.
Both acid reflux and GERD can be unpleasant, but untreated GERD can lead to long-term complications. For help with these and other digestive issues, make an appointment with Dr. Ibegbu and the Atlantic Medical Group team today.
