Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux in San Antonio , TX

Acid Reflux services offered in San Antonio , TX

It’s not uncommon to feel a burning sensation in your chest after overindulging at your neighborhood potluck. But if your heartburn, medically referred to as acid reflux, occurs regularly, you may have a more chronic problem that can damage the delicate tissue in your esophagus. At the offices of Allison Harrington Sirakos, MD, in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Harrington conducts comprehensive evaluations to provide a proper diagnosis, so you get the most effective treatment. For expert care of your acid reflux, call the office at the Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio or request an appointment online today.

Acid Reflux Q&A

Where does the acid come from in acid reflux?

After you chew and swallow your food, a strong valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens up and allows the food to enter your stomach. Your stomach then secretes a strong acid, along with digestive enzymes, that initiates the unraveling and breakdown of the protein in the food you just swallowed.

If your LES doesn’t close all the way, then the acidic contents in your stomach refluxes up into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation known as acid reflux. You may have acid reflux because of a medical condition or eating habits, such as:

Hiatal hernia
Pregnancy
Obesity
Use of certain medications
Lying down after eating a large meal
Snacking too close to bedtime
Smoking

Certain types of foods may also aggravate acid reflux, including fried foods, caffeine, chocolate, and peppermint.

What are acid reflux symptoms?

The most common symptom caused by acid reflux is heartburn. Other symptoms include:

Feeling food regurgitate back into your esophagus
Chest pain
Feeling a lump in your throat
Difficulty swallowing
Sour taste in the back of your mouth

Should I be concerned about acid reflux?

You may not need to worry about occasional acid reflux. However, if your acid reflux occurs frequently, the acid from your stomach can damage the delicate tissue in your esophagus, a condition referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This may lead to:

Esophageal strictures

Esophageal strictures refer to a narrowing of the passageway that may affect swallowing.

Esophageal ulcers

Acid reflux can create ulcers in the tissue of your esophagus, leading to pain.

Precancerous cell changes

Over time, the damage to your esophagus may change the cells in your esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

To reduce health risks from your acid reflux, contact the office of Allison Harrington Sirakos, MD, today.

What are acid reflux treatments?

Dr. Harrington focuses on a comprehensive approach to managing your reflux. This may include diet and lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and medications. Dr. Harrington will work with you to create a plan that provides long-term relief.

If your symptoms of reflux do not respond well to lifestyle modifications or medications, she may recommend further testing to rule out other etiologies that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Call the office of Allison Harrington Sirakos, MD, or request an appointment online today to get relief from your acid reflux symptoms.