Acid reflux is a common condition that can cause symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to relieve these uncomfortable symptoms. Dr. Matthew Shawl New York, can help you get relief from acid reflux.

The doctor will need to diagnose the cause of your acid reflux before recommending a treatment plan. The process entails a physical examination and a review of your medical history and lifestyle habits.

Types of acid reflux

These are the types of acid reflux:

• Non-erosive Reflux Disease (NERD): With this type of acid reflux, the stomach contents irritate the lining of the esophagus without causing damage or inflammation.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This acid reflux causes damage to the esophageal lining and symptoms.
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD): You will experience muffled voice and throat clearing with this form of acid reflux.

Before you learn of the treatment options, these are the causes of acid reflux that you should know:

• Eating large meals: When you eat larger meals, your stomach produces more acid to break down the food. You will more likely have reflux symptoms if you eat too much.
• Certain foods can trigger acid reflux, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruits, chocolate, and caffeine.
• Lying down after eating: Immediately lying down after a meal can put pressure on your stomach and cause acid to travel back up into your esophagus.
• Being overweight: Excess weight around your stomach can put pressure on it and cause acid reflux.

Acid reflux treatment options

These are some of the treatment options you should know:

Lifestyle changes

Making some changes can go a long way in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. Avoiding large meals and eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and fatty foods, quitting smoking, eating while sitting upright instead of lying down after meals, or exercising can all help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux.

Medication

Over-the-counter medication, such as antacids, can help reduce some acid reflux symptoms. Some people may also need to take proton pump inhibitors, stronger medicines that reduce stomach acid production and relieve heartburn and other symptoms. If these medications do not provide relief, prescription medications are also available.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be required to treat acid reflux. This can involve procedures such as fundoplication, which strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach, or endoscopic treatments that use lasers or radiofrequency energy to reduce inflammation in the esophagus.

Diet changes

Adding certain foods to your diet, such as ginger, green vegetables, and bananas, can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Avoiding acidic and spicy foods that irritate the stomach is also important. Keeping a food diary to track which foods trigger your symptoms can also be helpful.

Natural remedies

Certain natural home remedies, such as drinking herbal teas or chewing gum to increase saliva production, may also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. The dietary supplement melatonin effectively reduces the frequency and severity of heartburn, while ginger can help soothe an upset stomach.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of acid reflux, it is important to speak with Matthew W. Shawl, MD.