If you need a Gastroenterologist in Las Vegas, NV, you can count on Dr. George Tan of Vegas Digestive Health Center to provide the treatment you require for your acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a medical condition in which the muscles that control the passage between the esophagus and the stomach do not close completely. The result is that food and acid come back up out of the stomach into the esophagus. This causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including hoarseness of voice and a sore throat. It also causes heartburn.
Acid Reflux Treatments at Home
Treatment for acid reflux begins at home with some lifestyle changes. These changes may help you control your symptoms, but if not, you should make an appointment with a gastroenterologist in Las Vegas, NV.
- Slow down your eating and eat smaller meals. When your stomach gets too full, it is more likely to back up and cause pain. It is better to eat smaller meals more often, commonly called "grazing".
- Certain foods are more likely to cause acid reflux. You should avoid caffeine, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Don't eat anything close to the time you plan on going to bed—three hours before is ideal. Standing or sitting upright helps gravity keep the acid in your stomach where it belongs. When you go to bed, don't lie flat; sleep on an incline.
- Don't exercise before you go to bed. Allow yourself at least a couple of hours for the food to digest.
- If you are overweight, it is a good idea to lose some weight and get back to a healthy weight. When you gain weight, your muscles get stretched and don't provide the necessary support. If you smoke, quit. Nicotine relaxes the muscles in the esophagus, which allows the backup.
- Medication can contribute to acid reflux. Check all the side effects of the medication you are taking and talk to your doctor about alternative medication that may have fewer negative results.
Seeing Your Gastroenterologist
If you have tried all the things you can do at home and are still suffering or your symptoms are getting worse, you need to see your gastroenterologist. They can prescribe medication to help; if this is not enough, surgical remedies can help.
Contact Dr. Tan of Vegas Digestive Health Center when you are in need of a Gastroenterologist in Las Vegas, NV. To make an appointment give our office a call at (702) 625-8989.