Acid Reflux vs. GERD: What’s the Difference and When to Seek Treatment

You’ve probably read about acid reflux and gastrointestinal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. You may wonder about the differences between the two conditions and when you should seek treatment. Your gastroenterologist has the information you need. The gastroenterologists at Queens Boulevard Endoscopy Center in Rego Park, NY, provide a wide range of GI services, including diagnosing and treating acid reflux and GERD.

What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid reflux is commonly referred to as heartburn. You may experience symptoms from eating spicy foods, taking certain medications, eating a large meal before bed, and other factors.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is a more serious form of acid reflux that occurs more frequently and causes more severe symptoms.

Both conditions are caused by incomplete closing of the sphincter muscle which separates the esophagus from the stomach. When the sphincter muscle doesn’t close completely, stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic, severe sore throats
• Dry coughing and wheezing
• Nausea, vomiting, or chest pain
• Tooth sensitivity due to eroding tooth enamel

You can try a few simple remedies to ease symptoms, including:

• Eating small meals several times daily
• Avoiding eating a large meal before bed
• Quitting smoking or using tobacco products
• Avoiding or limiting eating spicy or acidic foods
• Taking over-the-counter antacid medications

If you continue to have symptoms and they aren’t relieved by taking the steps listed above, it’s time to seek out the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Untreated GERD can lead to esophageal damage and even esophageal cancer.

Your gastroenterologist may recommend a procedure known as an endoscopy, which allows your gastroenterologist to view your esophagus. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• Dietary and nutritional counseling
• Prescription-strength antacid medications
• Prescription-strength medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter muscle
• Surgical treatment for severe GERD that doesn’t respond to medication therapy

Want To Know More About Acid Reflux and GERD?

Talk with the experts to learn more about the difference between acid reflux and GERD and when to seek help. Call the gastroenterologists at Queens Boulevard Endoscopy Center in Rego Park, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (718) 406-8000, so call today.