Find out when your heartburn may actually be a warning sign of something more.

Sure, there are moments when you might battle a nasty bout of heartburn. Perhaps it was that spicy burrito you had at lunch, or maybe you had a large meal a little too close to bedtime. While occasional heartburn isn’t a cause for concern, it is important to recognize when your heartburn symptoms could mean you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Know the warning signs so you know when to see your Wesley Chapel, FL, gastroenterologist Dr. Saeed Ahmed.

More about GERD

You might have GERD if you are dealing with,

• Heartburn that often occurs after eating or worsens at night
• Trouble swallowing
• Food regurgitation (when food comes back up through the throat)
• A lump-in-your-throat feeling
• Chest discomfort
• A persistent cough
• Hoarseness

We know that chest pain alone can be a cause for concern and should be evaluated by a doctor right away to make sure that the symptom isn’t indicative of a more serious condition. This is particularly important if you’re also experiencing weakness or pain in your arms, or any trouble breathing alongside chest pain.

When to See a Doctor

It’s time to schedule an evaluation with our Wesley Chapel office if you are,

• Experiencing persistent, recurring, or severe bouts of GERD
• Taking over-the-counter antacids or other heartburn medications regularly
• Taking antacids and the symptoms aren’t responding

Treating GERD

It’s important that you properly treat your GERD symptoms, for if you allow the esophagus to remain inflamed, it can lead to ulcers, a narrowing of the esophagus, and even esophageal cancer. A combination of lifestyle changes and medications can help you get your GERD under control.

Lifestyle Modifications

This includes,

• Losing excess weight if you are overweight or obese
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing or limiting alcohol and coffee
• Avoiding foods that are fatty, fried, or spicy
• Eating smaller meals
• Waiting at least three hours after eating to lie down or go to sleep

Medications

Those with minor symptoms may be able to benefit from over-the-counter antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H-2 receptor blockers, which work to either reduce, neutralize, or block acid production. Of course, some patients may require a stronger prescription medication that works in the same way as these over-the-counter approaches but which may be more effective for those dealing with more severe GERD symptoms.

Concerned? Give Us a Call!

If you are dealing with any of the symptoms of GERD, it’s important that you have a gastroenterologist that you can turn to for an evaluation. Digestive Disease Associates of Central Florida in Wesley Chapel, FL, is dedicated to giving you the care and treatment you need to get your GERD under control! Call us today at (813) 994-4800.