Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that causes significant discomfort. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we are dedicated to helping you manage this condition with care, expertise, and understanding.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, or difficulty swallowing. Chronic acid reflux can cause serious complications, including esophageal damage.

What Causes Acid Reflux, or GERD?

Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, allowing acid to move up the esophagus.
Eating Habits: Large meals and late-night eating can trigger acid reflux.
Certain Foods and Drinks: Citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, and spicy or fatty foods can cause reflux. Drinks like alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee, or tea may also trigger it.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and physical pressure from the growing fetus can lead to acid reflux.
Medications: Certain drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and blood pressure medications, can contribute to acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or worsening acid irritation.
Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like scleroderma can affect the motility and function of the esophagus.
Delayed Stomach Emptying: Conditions that slow gastric emptying, like gastroparesis, can cause reflux symptoms.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, tight clothing around the abdomen, and lying down soon after eating can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Obesity: Excess weight can lead to pressure on the abdomen, pushing the stomach out of position and causing stomach acid to move up the esophagus.
Smoking: Smoking can impair muscle reflexes in the throat, increase acid secretion, and reduce salivation, which neutralizes the effect of acid.
Stress: While not a direct cause, stress can amplify sensations of pain and discomfort associated with acid reflux.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn) experienced after eating that is typically worse at night.

Chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Regurgitating food or sour liquid
A sensation of a lump in your throat

A Comprehensive Treatment Approach

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we don’t just treat the symptoms of acid reflux; we are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the cause of the pain and develop a customized treatment plan, which could be one or more of the following:

Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms
Eating smaller, more frequent meals: Losing weight if overweight
Avoiding alcohol and smoking
Elevating the head of the bed to prevent nighttime symptoms

Medications

Antacids to neutralize stomach acid
H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production
Prokinetics to help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, empty your stomach faster and reduce acid reflux

Advanced Treatments

Endoscopy: To view the esophagus and check for any erosion or damage.
pH Monitoring: To measure acid levels in the esophagus and help determine the effectiveness of medications or surgical interventions.

Surgical Treatments

For those who do not respond to medication, surgical options like Nissen fundoplication may be considered to create a new valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus.

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Why Choose Peak Gastroenterology Associates?

We understand that dealing with acid reflux is more than just managing pain—it’s about improving quality of life. Our team of compassionate specialists is committed to providing personalized care and the most effective treatments available worldwide. We’re here to listen, support, and work with you to achieve relief and live free from painful symptoms. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we offer more than just top-tier gastrointestinal care; we have a multidisciplinary team of renowned physicians specializing in various fields of medicine.

Need Help With Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is troublesome and uncomfortable. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our specialists offer the most advanced diagnostics, treatments, and ongoing care with compassion.

We care for patients throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, Lone Tree, and beyond.

If painful burning at the back of your throat or near your chest is associated with acid reflux, you don’t have to live with it. The expert team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates, with locations in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Lone Tree, can alleviate your symptoms using simple treatments. Schedule an appointment with Peak Gastroenterology Associates over the phone or online to learn more about your options.

Acid Reflux FAQ

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs occasionally in just about everybody. It occurs when stomach acid moves back into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter. If acid reflux feels uncomfortable and occurs regularly, you don’t have to suffer. The Peak Gastroenterology Associates team offers simple treatment options.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Common symptoms associated with acid reflux include:

A burning sensation in your chest or throat
Heartburn
Difficulty swallowing
Wheezing or coughing
A sour taste in your mouth
Problems sleeping
A hoarse voice
The feeling of a lump in your throat

You might experience acid reflux after eating, lying down at night, during exercise, bending over, or wearing tight-fitted clothing. Being overweight and smoking increases your risk of acid reflux. Eating a big meal or drinking coffee or alcohol might trigger symptoms or make them worse. Untreated acid reflux can cause esophagus damage or increase your risk of esophageal cancer.

How is acid reflux diagnosed?

To help diagnose acid reflux, your gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete an exam and may use imaging tests or endoscopy to view the inside of your digestive tract and rule out serious GI complications.

What is the treatment for acid reflux?

Your acid reflux treatment plan is based on your health and the severity of your condition. Peak Gastroenterology Associates providers might recommend:

Weight loss: Losing weight if you’re overweight can reduce acid reflux. Your doctor helps you develop a healthy eating and exercise plan to reduce excess weight.
Dietary changes: Eating certain foods can make acid reflux worse. Examples include spicy foods, greasy or fatty foods, onions, tomatoes, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, and tea. Making dietary changes can offer you symptom relief.
Lifestyle changes: Additional lifestyle changes that can reduce acid reflux include not smoking, eating smaller meals, not eating right before bed, elevating the head of your bed, and not wearing tight clothing.
Medications: Taking over-the-counter or prescription medications can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Your gastroenterologist will let you know which medicine is right for you.
Surgery: If you have severe acid reflux that occurs regularly, your provider might recommend surgery to tighten your lower esophageal sphincter and give you long-lasting symptom relief.

Don’t live with the unpleasant symptoms of acid reflux when simple treatments are within reach at Peak Gastroenterology Associates. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online today. Acid reflux is troublesome and uncomfortable. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our specialists deliver top-tier, patient-focused care to patients throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, Lone Tree, and beyond.