If you've ever had the sensation that something is stuck in your throat, dry cough, or a burning feeling that gets worse after a large meal, you've likely experienced heartburn, a jumping pain in your chest. But how do you know when it's heartburn or something more concerning like gastroesophageal disease (GERD)? At Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease, our providers use tried-and-true techniques to deliver the utmost care to patients. If you suspect your heartburn is more than a bout of acid reflux after reading the information below, don't ignore the symptoms. You may increase your risk of developing ulcers, esophagitis, or difficulty swallowing if excessive heartburn is left untreated. Call our office and schedule a consultation today to rule out the health complications GERD in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer and Mat-Su Valley, AK, can cause.
GERD VS. Heartburn
Heartburn and GERD present similar symptoms, but it's beneficial to know the difference. It's common to feel heartburn after eating spicy foods, eating too quickly, drinking coffee or alcohol, and laying down too quickly after a meal. Mild heartburn is temporary and often treated with over-the-counter antacids. GERD is an additional form of acid reflux, but is often the result of pregnancy, obesity, smoking, or taking medications like antidepressants or anti-histamines. GERD can cause long term esophageal damage, so its essential to visit a gastroenterologist. Our doctors diagnose GERD when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week or causes esophageal inflammation. Undiagnosed GERD can cause esophageal lining damage over time, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
A diagnosis for GERD in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, and Mat-Su Valley, AK, begins with a visit to Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease. One of our board-certified adult internists and gastroenterologists who specialize in disorders of the digestive tract may recommend an endoscopy to view your esophagus and check for irregularities. From there, they will develop a treatment plan through diet modifications and healthy eating. For more information about GERD in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, and Mat-Su Valley, AK, or appointment scheduling, call our office at (907) 569-1333.