Did you know that more than 60 million Americans experience acid reflux at least once a month?1 Acid reflux is when the valve that separates the stomach and the esophagus doesn’t function properly allowing stomach acid back into the esophagus. Most people simply avoid certain foods or pop an antacid to help relieve the unpleasant symptoms. While acid reflux is quite common and can be dangerous, in most cases it’s not a cause for concern. It can be difficult to know when to see a doctor so here are some indications that it’s time for you to make an appointment.
- Symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, or chest pain that persists for more than 2 weeks
- Chronic hoarseness/wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lump in the throat
- Diarrhea or black/ bloody bowel movements
- Heartburn accompanied by nausea or vomiting
- Extreme stomach pain
- Unexpected weight loss
- Symptoms that affect your sleep
- Symptoms that interfere with your daily life
- Symptoms that persist after taking over-the-counter medications
If you are experiencing any of the above, make an appointment to see Dr. Ahmad. You will undergo a thorough evaluation, and will likely have an upper endoscopy to see if there is any damage to the esophagus and to what extent. Soft tissues are sensitive to stomach acid and can cause serious damage if left untreated. After you are given an accurate diagnosis, diet and lifestyle changes along with medications may be recommended. If non-surgical treatments fail to bring you relief, surgery may be suggested. Acid reflux is not something that you want to leave untreated, so if you are experiencing ongoing symptoms call and make an appointment today.
Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic robotic surgery and has performed over 2,000 laparoscopic robotic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success. Dr. Ashley Modica joins Long Island Laparoscopic Surgery to perform body contouring surgery for patients after successful weight loss following bariatric surgery.
1. https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/acid-reflux-symptoms
