Many people experience intense pain and a burning sensation when eating, just after eating, or in some cases chronically. There are various types of pain and discomfort that might be behind this type of pain. Any type of digestion problem should be seen by our doctor in Brooklyn, NY.
Heartburn
Often considered a burning sensation located in the upper abdomen, heartburn can also cause pain that seems to radiate into the chest, throat, and neck. You may have trouble swallowing, chronic coughing, wheezing, or regurgitation as well. Heartburn occurs when the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus. This is the tube that transports food from your mouth into your stomach.
Acid Reflux
In some situations, the acid that is present in the stomach and working to digest food can “reflux” or leak back into the esophagus. When this happens, it creates a burning sensation in the throat and chest. That’s commonly called heartburn. However, the fluid can often go further into the mouth as well. This type of acid reflux can happen just once in a while or it can happen often. Daily heartburn or acid reflux is considered severe and requires a heartburn doctor in Brooklyn to help you overcome it.
GERD
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is heartburn that occurs more than two times a week. Over time, it worsens your esophagus and causes difficulties such as swallowing difficulties, weight loss, bleeding, and other concerns.
If you have persistent heartburn, our Brooklyn doctor can help you. It’s important to know that heartburn can be a symptom of a tumor or inflammation that requires medical attention as well. For this reason, it’s important to consider medical treatment for your heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.
Barrett’s Esophagus
In some individuals, the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, doesn’t have a normal white lining. Instead, it may have a red lining called specialized intestinal metaplasia. This is what defines Barrett’s esophagus. Our Brooklyn physician can help you with this condition.
About 10 percent of people who have chronic or long-term gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, suffer from this condition. This is a precancerous lining that may lead to esophageal concern called adenocarcinoma. This risk is low in most people.
It is not possible for us to know who will develop this condition or develop concern from it. However, if you have Barrett’s, it is always a good idea to be monitored at our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway locations in Brooklyn, NY at least on an annual basis to ensure your overall health remains stable. When found early, it can be curable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and GERD
How is heartburn different from acid reflux?
Heartburn is a symptom. Acid reflux is the cause. Heartburn feels like a burning sensation in the chest or throat, often after eating. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining and causing heartburn.
Is there a relationship between heartburn and heart disease?
Heartburn is not heart disease, but the symptoms can feel similar to chest pain from a heart problem. Because it’s hard to tell heartburn from heart-related chest pain, seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or pain that radiates to the jaw.
Can milk help with acid reflux?
It depends! Milk may temporarily soothe acid reflux, but it is not a long-term solution. Whole milk can actually worsen reflux because of its fat content. Low-fat or non-dairy alternatives may be better options for some people.
Can acid reflux cause a sore throat?
Yes. Acid reflux can irritate the throat and vocal cords, leading to soreness, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, or a chronic cough. This is sometimes referred to as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). We have seen patients struggle with chronic sore throats or coughs, only to find that these symptoms resolve with treatment for acid reflux.
What are the complications of untreated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Without treatment, GERD does more than lower your quality of life. It can damage the esophagus over time. Possible complications include esophagitis (inflammation), narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and progression into Barrett’s esophagus. The good news is that GERD and other GI issues are manageable with proper gastroenterology care.
What is the relationship between acid reflux and Barrett’s esophagus?
Your digestive system works by channeling food from the esophagus into the stomach, where acids further break it down. At the lower part of the esophagus, there’s a valve (lower esophageal sphincter) that helps keep bile and stomach acids where they belong.
Acid reflux occurs when the valve malfunctions and allows acid to travel back into the esophagus. Long-term acid reflux can change the lining of the esophagus, leading to Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a change in the cells lining the esophagus, making them velvety and smooth, resembling the intestinal lining.
How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?
Your Brooklyn gastroenterologist diagnoses Barrett’s esophagus through an upper endoscopy. During the procedure, your GI doctor examines the esophagus and may take small tissue samples (biopsies) to evaluate cellular changes.
Does Barrett’s esophagus cause cancer?
Barrett’s esophagus itself is not cancer. However, there’s a chance it increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. The good news? Most people with Barrett’s esophagus never develop cancer, especially with proper monitoring and treatment.
What foods should I avoid with GERD or Barrett’s esophagus?
Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, fried, fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermint, and carbonated drinks. Triggers can vary, so keeping a food diary may help identify what worsens your symptoms. It’s also essential to avoid large meals and to eat dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime.
What are the treatment options for Barrett’s esophagus?
Treatment options for Barrett’s esophagus are similar to those for GERD. Treatment focuses on controlling acid reflux and monitoring the esophagus. Options may include lifestyle changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, and regular endoscopic surveillance. You may need surgery for advanced cases.
Are you looking for acid reflux treatment near Brooklyn?
Are you concerned about the symptoms of heartburn, GERD, or Barrett's esophagus? Call 718 521-2840 for expert diagnosis and treatment at Atlantic Gastroenterology. We are excited to see you in our offices in Brooklyn, New York, and Coral Springs, Florida.