Acid Reflux

If you have frequent heartburn or other bothersome symptoms of acid reflux, see Nabeel Shabout, MD, at North Tarrant Surgical & Aesthetics in Fort Worth and Argyle, Texas. He and his staff offer highly effective treatments that eliminate acid reflux and the discomfort and complications it can cause. Call the North Tarrant Surgical & Aesthetics office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tab today.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a common gastrointestinal problem in which acid from your stomach flows upward into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. 

When this happens, the acid can irritate your esophageal lining. Stomach acid backwash can occur due to a weakened esophageal sphincter, which helps keep the acid in your stomach and out of your esophagus.

Persistent acid reflux may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery are ways you can manage ongoing or severe acid reflux.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

The symptoms associated with acid reflux include:

• Heartburn
• Ongoing cough
• Burning sensation after eating or when lying down
• A backwash of sour liquid
• Upper abdomen or chest pain
• The sensation of a lump in your throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Laryngitis
• New or worsening asthma

When left untreated, acid reflux can cause precancerous changes to your esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus, or inflammation, bleeding, and open sores. 

What can cause acid reflux?

Some of the causes and risk factors associated with acid reflux include:

• Hiatal hernia
• Connective tissue disorders
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Eating large meals
• Eating late at night
• Smoking
• Eating fatty or fried foods
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Some medicines

Maintaining an ideal body weight, getting regular exercise, not eating large meals late at night, and eating nutritious foods are lifestyle habits that reduce your chance of having acid reflux.

How is acid reflux diagnosed?

Dr. Shabout diagnoses acid reflux after discussing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. He weighs you, checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and examines your esophagus for signs of irritation. 

You might also need an acid probe test, upper endoscopy to view the inside of your esophagus, X-rays to create detailed images of your esophagus, esophagus muscle contraction testing, or other diagnostic tests to confirm your diagnosis and detect potential complications.  

How is acid reflux treated?

Dr. Shabout offers numerous treatments for acid reflux based on its frequency and severity. He might recommend you take medications, lose weight, make diet and other lifestyle changes, or undergo surgery to repair a hiatal hernia and tighten your esophageal sphincter to reduce the chance of further acid reflux. 

Elevate the head of your bed, eat foods slowly, don’t smoke or lie down after meals, and avoid tight-fitted clothing and foods and drinks that trigger heartburn.

To get relief from acid reflux, schedule a consultation at North Tarrant Surgical & Aesthetics by phone or online today.