How a Gastroenterologist Can Help Treat Chronic Heartburn

posted: Nov. 15, 2024.

Heartburn is a common issue, and many people find that over-the-counter antacids simply aren’t enough to control the condition. If you live in or near Honolulu, HI, and heartburn is upsetting you or a loved one's life, it’s time to see Stephen K Buto, M.D. There are many other treatment options beyond OTC medications. Dr. Buto would be happy to work with you to craft a treatment and lifestyle plan that will provide lasting relief.

A Quick Look at Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by stomach acid and is due to the acid making its way out of your stomach and into your esophagus. While your stomach can typically cope with high acid levels, much of the rest of the body can’t. The overflow of acid may be the result of excessive stomach acid, among other issues. While stomach acid is crucial for digesting food, it can cause a lot of damage to your own cells.

At first, heartburn may seem minor. However, it often gets worse with time. You may find yourself skipping meals or avoiding your favorite foods because of heartburn. Further, damage to your body may slowly pile up. The good news is that a gastroenterologist, like Dr. Buto, can provide the care you need.

With minor and occasional heartburn, simple antacids may be enough. However, with chronic or severe cases, you may need prescription medicine or other treatments. We’ll take a closer look at how a gastroenterologist can help, but if you live in or near Honolulu, HI, and need help with heartburn, Dr. Buto would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

Treatment Options for Heartburn

Often, heartburn can be managed with a combination of medications (including over-the-counter medicine) and lifestyle changes. It’s smart to chat with a doctor to see if you can identify foods or drinks that are triggering heartburn and other stomach issues. If spicy food is the cause of your heartburn, for example, you may want to dial the spice down.

There are also some prescription medications that can help with heartburn. Ultimately, if needed, your gastroenterologist may recommend surgery. The specifics of the surgery will depend on the specifics of your body and what’s causing the heartburn.

Contact Us for More Information

You can reach Dr. Buto at (808) 524-7676. He has helped countless patients in Honolulu, HI, deal with heartburn and many other stomach and digestive issues too. Your digestive tract is crucial to your health and well-being, so it’s wise to speak with experts when problems crop up.

Tags: Gastroenterologist, Heartburn

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