Acid Reflux in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is acid reflux?
When a person swallows liquids or foods, it passes from the esophagus into the stomach. Between the esophagus and stomach is a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle closes and opens, allowing food to pass through into the stomach.
All individuals have acid in their stomachs to help digest the food they eat. Unfortunately, if the lower esophageal sphincter does not close completely, it can allow some of the acid to move back up into the esophagus, possibly doing harm and/or causing chronic acid reflux. That is when “heartburn” occurs from acid reflux because the acid creates a burning sensation. At GastroArkansas, our board-certified gastrointestinal providers routinely help manage acid reflux and can help relieve heartburn and other symptoms. If you are seeking acid reflux treatment in Little Rock, AR, reach out to a location near you today.
What are the causes of acid reflux or heartburn?
Even though acid reflux is quite common, there is no one specific cause of acid reflux. Many components could play a part in the weakening of the LES, allowing acid from our stomach to then flow in reverse into the digestive tract. Acid reflux might be caused by some medications, foods, pre-existing conditions, or some activities after the consumption of food. Varying circumstances might impact a person's reflux in very different ways. Examples of frequent factors contributing to acid reflux might include:
- Eating a heavy meal then lying down
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight or obese
- Certain medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and those for blood pressure)
- A weak or sub-optimal LES
- Hiatal hernia
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine
- Fatty or spicy foods
- Being a smoker
- Chocolate, citrus fruits, peppermint, tomatoes, black pepper, garlic, and raw onions
- Alcohol (red wine in particular)
- Low-fiber diet
To discuss these possible acid reflux triggers or to discuss your acid reflux with a skilled GI specialist in Little Rock, AR, contact a GastroArkansas location near you.
What are common acid reflux symptoms?
Oftentimes, acid reflux is referred to as heartburn. Typical symptoms of acid reflux may include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Regurgitation of sour liquids or food
- Pain in the chest
- Bloating
- The feeling of a lump in the throat
- Dysphagia
If you are experiencing these symptoms persistently, then you may be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If that is the case, we urge you to reach out to a GastroArkansas specialist as soon as possible.
How do I relieve acid reflux?
The most effective way to relieve acid reflux is to reach out to a board-certified GI provider in Little Rock, AR. However, there are some changes in lifestyle that you can implement that may help lessen the frequency and severity of your symptoms. These might include (but are not limited) to:
- Eating in moderation and at a slow speed
- Losing weight (if overweight)
- Consistently standing or sitting upright after eating
- Limiting your intake of caffeine
- Sleeping at an incline with your head raised above your feet
- Avoiding "trigger" foods and beverages
- Disclosing to your GI provider about the current medications you are taking
- Stopping smoking
- Not eating for, at minimum,120 minutes before laying down to sleep
At GastroArkansas, we want to help you reach optimal health in all aspects of life. If you need assistance in determining what changes to your lifestyle need to be made or what treatment options are best for you, please contact one of our local providers to request a private consultation.
What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD?
Most adults have experienced the burning sensation of acid reflux at some point in their lives. However, GERD is the more dangerous and near-constant form of acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is most often diagnosed when one suffers from acid reflux more frequently than two times per week along with swelling in the esophagus. If you are having the symptoms of acid reflux three times a week or more, we urge you to meet with a GastroArkansas GI specialist as soon as possible.
Find treatment for acid reflux
Should frequent acid reflux or other troubling GI symptoms arise, we urge you to contact a gastrointestinal provider The distinguished doctors at GastroArkansas strive to inform and help patients with GI conditions, such as acid reflux and GERD. If you or a loved one suspect GERD or needs help for acid reflux in Little Rock, AR contact a location near you today to request a consultation.
Acid Reflux FAQs
How do I know when to see a GI specialist for acid reflux?
It is suggested to consult a physician if you have been experiencing acid reflux symptoms a minimum of two times weekly, as this could indicate gastrointestinal reflux disease. GERD is a severe type of acid reflux that may damage your upper gastrointestinal tract in the absence of treatment. The team at GastroArkansas can evaluate your symptoms and make a diagnosis. We can also help you discern acid reflux triggers to reduce their effects.
How long does acid reflux take to improve after starting treatment?
Acid reflux treatment usually involves a combination of medication therapy and changes in diet. After you identify a treatment option that works for you, it may take anywhere from 1 – 3 weeks until you begin to recover and notice results.
What foods and beverages should I avoid if I have acid reflux
Certain foods and drinks can bring about or magnify acid reflux symptoms. Some common items to avoid consuming if you suffer from acid reflux are:
- Caffeinated or carbonated drinks (such as soda, seltzer, coffee, and tea)
- Peppermint
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- High-fat foods
- Greasy foods
Is it possible to relieve acid reflux outside of medication?
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be helpful in managing the symptoms of acid reflux. Outside of medication, factors that may also help include:
- Consider a weight loss plan if you are overweight or obese. Your physician can help you identify a diet and exercise regimen ideal for your concerns.
- Stop using cigarettes or other tobacco products.
- Don’t go to sleep as soon as you finish dinner. It can be helpful to finish eating around three hours before bedtime so the acid remains in the stomach as opposed to regurgitating into the esophagus.
- Consume several small meals throughout the day rather than the standard three larger meals. This can prevent you from becoming too full, which may create further symptoms.
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Great clinic, everyone was nice on time & Dr was very thorough
Friendly and thorough.
Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Dr Pennington took time to listen and explain his thoughts.
By far the best Gastroenterologist out there, explains in easy to understand terms, and takes his time with you, makes you feel comfortable about an uncomfortable procedure, thanks Dr. Kakati
My patient experience with Dr. Kakati these past 4 years has been a very positive one. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk with. As someone who works in the healthcare field, I can confidently say he is a great overall GI provider. The office staff are also super friendly and easily reached. I personally recommend Gastro AR, particularly Dr. Kakati, to anyone looking for a GI provider in central AR.
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