Occasional heartburn is normal, especially if you love spicy foods. If you are experiencing heartburn frequently and severely, you could have a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The gastroenterologists at Alaska Digestive & Liver Disease offer comprehensive GI services, including diagnosis and treatment of GERD. They have two convenient office locations in Anchorage and Eagle River, AK, and proudly serve the residents of the Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, and Mat-Su Valley area.

What You Need To Know About GERD

GERD begins as heartburn, and it’s easy to overlook it. Taking a few over-the-counter antacids can help you get over it. If your occasional heartburn becomes more frequent, you need to seek out the services of a gastroenterologist. Untreated GERD can develop into esophageal damage and even esophageal cancer.

GERD is caused by incomplete closure of the sphincter muscle, which separates the stomach from the esophagus. When the sphincter muscle is open, stomach acid can flow back up from the stomach into the esophagus. The reversed stomach acid flow can cause signs and symptoms of GERD, including:

• Bad breath
• A sour taste in your mouth
• Sore throats, dry coughing, and wheezing
• Nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
• Sensations of tooth sensitivity due to eroded tooth enamel

You can take steps to minimize the signs and symptoms of GERD. Dietary modifications can help. You need to:

• Eat small meals several times each day
• Avoid eating a large meal before you go to bed or lie down
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
• Avoid or limit eating spicy or acidic foods
• Take over-the-counter antacid medications

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of GERD, you need to seek out the expertise of a gastroenterologist, who may recommend:

• Dietary and nutritional counseling
• Prescription-strength antacid medications
• Prescription-strength medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter muscle
• Surgical treatment for severe GERD that isn’t responding to medication therapy

Want To Know More About GERD?

To learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of GERD, call the gastroenterologists at Alaska Digestive & Liver Disease, with offices in Anchorage and Eagle River, AK, proudly serving residents of Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, and Mat-Su Valley areas. Call for more information today at (907) 569-1333 for the Eagle River and Anchorage offices and (907) 631-3578 for the Wasilla office.