Acid Reflux Specialist

What is acid reflux?

The connection between your esophagus and your stomach is controlled by a ring of muscles that function as a valve. Once food reaches your stomach, this valve closes, trapping your stomach acid inside. 

However, when you experience acid reflux, this valve doesn’t work as it should, allowing stomach acid to move back up your esophagus, causing acid reflux.

Acid reflux is characterized by two key symptoms. The first is heartburn, which is characterized by a burning discomfort in your lower chest. 

If you’re living with heartburn, you’re not alone. The American College of Gastroenterology reports that more than 60 million Americans experience one or more cases of heartburn per month.

The second primary symptom of acid reflux is a bitter or sour taste in your mouth as the acid washes back up your esophagus.

Additional symptoms that can accompany acid reflux, include:

• Burping
• Nausea
• Hiccups
• Bloating
• A stuck feeling in your throat

While symptoms of acid reflux can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, you don't have to live with them when there are viable treatment options available. 

Are acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease the same thing?

Acid reflux occurs whenever stomach acid enters your esophagus. But if you get acid reflux two or more times per week, you might be living with chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

If experiencing heartburn after a meal is common for you, don’t hesitate to talk with Dr. Narvaez about it. As an expert gastroenterologist, he’s well-versed in finding effective and conservative treatments that can offer you lasting relief.

How is acid reflux treated?

It depends on what’s causing your acid reflux in the first place. For example, eating large meals and lying down shortly afterward can result in acid reflux. Dr. Narvaez helps you make lifestyle changes to reduce your acid reflux and get the relief you're seeking. 

In other cases, acid reflux is caused by a problem within your stomach. If you have a hiatal hernia or another stomach problem, Dr. Narvaez addresses it directly to treat your acid reflux.

In short, Dr. Narvaez works with you to identify the root cause of your acid reflux and help you find an effective solution. He believes you shouldn’t have to deal with discomfort after eating as a routine part of your life. 

To get started on the path towards relief, call Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC or request your appointment online today.