Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux services offered in Wantagh and Malverne, NY

If you frequently experience regurgitation or a sour taste in your mouth after eating, acid reflux could be the culprit. Experienced gastroenterologists, Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, care for patients with acid reflux at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island in Wantagh and Malverne, New York. Early intervention helps prevent complications from this chronic condition and minimizes your risk of esophageal cancer. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that opens to let food pass through, fails to close completely. As a result, stomach acid moves into your esophagus — the tube between the stomach and mouth — causing pain, heartburn, and other discomforts.

If you suffer from acid reflux more than twice a week, it’s a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Heartburn is the most apparent symptom of acid reflux. Chest pain, discomfort, and burning sensations can become worse when you lie down or bend over. Acid reflux is extremely uncomfortable after eating large meals. Some people experience a sour taste because the stomach acid rises into their throats.

What causes acid reflux?

Acid reflux develops for many reasons. Some diet and lifestyle factors increase your risk of acid reflux. These include:

Low activity levels
Excess weight
Heavy meals
Tobacco use
Pregnancy
Some medications (beta-blockers, antidepressants, antihistamines, etc.)
Spicy or fatty foods
Caffeine
Alcohol

Onions, garlic, tomatoes, and acidic juices can also raise your risk of acid reflux.

How is acid reflux diagnosed?

A detailed description of your symptoms, a physical exam, and a medical history review can help determine if you have acid reflux. The only way to know for sure is for your provider to do an upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract endoscopy.

An upper endoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube with an attached camera (endoscope) to view your esophagus. Before the procedure, your physician administers an anesthetic and a sedative so you feel no pain or discomfort.

If you have several GI symptoms, your gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island might recommend a capsule endoscopy. This diagnostic test involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it moves through your GI tract.

What are the treatments for acid reflux?

If you receive an acid reflux diagnosis, your physician will recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to relieve your symptoms. Medication is often necessary in more advanced cases, particularly if you have GERD.

The most common medications to treat acid reflux are: