Acid reflux. Coughing. Difficulty swallowing. If you suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these symptoms are all too familiar. But how can you stop them?
First, talk with a gastroesophageal expert.
Over-reliance on medical web resources can lead to improper self-diagnosis and potentially harmful self-treatment. Many different diseases and disorders can present with the same gastroesophageal symptoms. A gastroenterologist can perform tests and examinations, diagnose your gastrointestinal issue, and get you started on a professional treatment plan. Are you suffering from GERD or Heartburn?
How can I treat my GERD symptoms at home?
While self-diagnosis and self-treatment are harmful and you should turn to a gastroesophageal expert to diagnose and treat your symptoms, there are GI-approved steps you can take to treat your GERD symptoms at home.
- Avoid trigger foods: Foods and beverages (such as citrus, tomatoes, onions, peppermint, fatty and spicy foods, and caffeine) contain acid and can exacerbate your symptoms, even if you’re currently using medication to control your acid reflux.
- Quit smoking: Cigarettes can cause your stomach to produce more acid and the nicotine in cigarettes can cause your esophageal muscles to relax, which allows stomach acid to rise more easily.
- Step away from the alcohol: Any type of alcohol—especially in conjunction with a large meal—can trigger acid reflux and cause any existing symptoms to worsen.
- Set aside time for meditation: Stress increases your susceptibility to acid reflux. When coupled with lack of sleep—another symptom trigger—it’s a recipe for reflux. Set aside time each day for meditation to relax and unwind, body and mind.
- Consult with your doctor about weight loss: Excess weight can increase your risk of acid reflux. Ask your doctor if the gastric balloon and the O.N.E. Weigh weight loss program is the right move for you.
What’s my next step in treating GERD?
Stretta therapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that significantly reduces GERD symptoms through the use of radiofrequency energy. Normally performed in less than an hour, Stretta therapy uses radiofrequency energy to remodel and improve the muscle tissue between the stomach and esophagus, which results in an improved barrier and a decrease in reflux events. Patients who undergo Stretta therapy can normally return to normal activities the following day.
**Some insurance policies do require additional testing prior to approving Stretta therapy.
All GI Alliance gastroenterologists are dedicated to your digestive health, so don’t hesitate. If you are suffering from recurrent acid reflux or other internal symptoms, call the experts with GI Alliance to schedule a consultation and find out if the Stretta procedure is the right move for you today.
