How your gastroenterologist in Honolulu, HI, can help with heartburn
Everyone suffers from heartburn occasionally. It’s that heavy, burning feeling in your throat and chest. Your gastroenterologist is an expert at heartburn treatment and can help you feel better. Dr. Stephen Buto in Honolulu, HI, provides a wide range of gastroenterology services, including treatment of heartburn.
Heartburn can be caused by eating or drinking:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Tomato-based foods
- Fried foods
- Onions
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Chocolate
The most common treatment for heartburn is to make a few modifications to your diet, including avoiding the foods and beverages listed above. Other ways to help prevent or limit heartburn include:
- Drinking enough water
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding eating before bed
- Avoiding laying down after eating
- Quitting smoking
For mild, occasional heartburn you can also try over-the-counter antacids to reduce stomach acid.
If you suffer from frequent heartburn, it’s best to visit your gastroenterologist. Frequent heartburn could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
GERD is caused by incomplete closure of the sphincter muscle in your esophagus. When this sphincter muscle doesn’t close, stomach acid can back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn symptoms.
You may have GERD if you experience:
- Frequent sore throats
- Frequent bad breath
- Frequent wheezing or dry coughing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Sensitive teeth due to eroding tooth enamel
If GERD goes untreated, it can cause severe damage including inflammation and ulceration of your esophagus, and even esophageal cancer.
Your gastroenterologist may recommend an endoscopy to examine the health of your esophagus and look for irritated or ulcerated esophageal tissue. In addition, your gastroenterologist may recommend:
- Prescription medications to reduce stomach acid
- Professional dietary and nutritional counseling
- Surgical treatment in severe cases
You don’t have to suffer from frequent heartburn when relief is just a phone call away. To find out more about the causes and treatments of heartburn, call Dr. Stephen Buto in Honolulu, HI. You can reach him in the office by calling (808) 524-7676, so call now.