Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux or heartburn, occurs when the stomach contents flow in reverse up the esophagus, sometimes up to your vocal cords, or even higher. Mostly everyone has experienced reflux, possibly after overeating and laying down or during pregnancy. With over 30 years of experience treating gastrointestinal problems, Audrey J. Woolrich, MD, in New York City’s Upper East Side is an expert in diagnosing and treating reflux. To learn more about what you can do to stop your reflux, call Dr. Woolrich's office or schedule an appointment online today.
Audrey J. Woolrich, MD, PC
Gastroenterologist located in New York City on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Reflux Q & A
What are the signs and symptoms of reflux?
The most common signs and symptoms of reflux include, but are not limited to:
Bad breath
Metallic or bitter taste in your mouth
Vomiting
Burning in your chest or upper abdomen
Globus (constant feeling that there is a lump in your throat)
Chronic tickle or cough
Hoarseness or laryngitis
New onset or worsening asthma
Chronic sinus issues
Painful swallowing
Awareness of food sticking to or going down your esophagus
All these signs and symptoms may worsen with bending or laying down.
What causes GERD?
Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle separating the esophagus and stomach, remains open. Causes of GERD can be divided into two sections:
Mechanical causes
The most common mechanical causes include:
Obesity
Pregnancy
Abdominal bloating
Bending over after eating
Delayed stomach emptying
Tight clothing including control top garments
Hiatal hernia, a common prolapse of the stomach above the diaphragm
Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter
Non-mechanical causes
Non-mechanical causes can include any of the following:
Mints
Caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks
Alcohol
Fatty foods
Tobacco
Medications like hormonal birth control and antidepressants
How do you diagnose reflux?
Listening to the patient's complaints and symptoms is usually sufficient to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux.
If symptoms improve with simple lifestyle changes and a short course of over-the-counter treatments, then the diagnosis is usually correct.
Dr. Woolrich might recommend an upper endoscopy to examine the lining of the esophagus and obtain biopsy samples to assess microscopic damage.
Additional studies such as PH testing, esophageal manometry and a barium video-esophagram might need to be performed if the diagnosis is unclear.
What are the complications of gastroesophageal reflux?
If severe or chronic, the backwash of acid and bile can irritate the lining of the esophagus. This may progress to metaplasia, a precancerous change of the tissue known as Barrett's esophagus.
Some other complications of GERD include:
Bleeding from esophageal inflammation
Pain and bleeding from esophageal ulcers
Stricture formation (narrowing of the esophageal diameter from inflammatory scarring)
Barrett's esophagus
Cancer of the esophagus
Effective and early treatment with Dr. Woolrich can help you avoid these complications.
How can GERD be prevented and treated?
Lifestyle changes might be sufficient in treating and preventing gastroesophageal reflux disease but medication might be required.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes may include:
Not bending or lying down for at least 3 hours after eating
Losing weight
Avoiding tight clothes
Decreasing mints, caffeine, alcohol and fatty foods
Enzyme supplements such as Lactaid® pills, Sucraid®, or Beano®
Avoiding gluten and other bloating foods
Stopping smoking
Sleeping at a 45-degree angle by raising the head of the bed
Over the counter remedies
If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, consider some of the following over-the-counter solutions:
Antacids that neutralize the acidity such as TUMS® and Mylanta®
Acid reducers, or H2 antagonists, such as Zantac® and PEPCID®
Acid blockers known as proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium® and Prilosec®
Prescription medication
If over the counter medications do not control your symptoms, then Dr. Woolrich will order prescription strength acid reducers or blockers.
Endoscopic and surgical procedures might be needed if the above fail to control the symptoms and complications.
If you have been suffering from reflux, want to discuss your problem, and seek out the appropriate treatment, call Dr. Woolrich at her private office or schedule an appointment online today.