Acid Reflux | See The Best Gastroenterologist Doctor Kolkata
Acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux is a common condition that originates in the upper GI or gastro-intestinal tract. If you have acid reflux, seeking immediate attention is crucial. Treatment is different for adults, pregnant women and children. The best gastroenterologist doctor in Kolkata is able to diagnose and manage the symptoms by prescribing medicines to reduce acidity in the stomach, suggesting life style changes, and modifying diet.
What is gastro-esophageal acid reflux?
Acid reflux is the involuntary return of stomach contents to the esophagus, creating a burning sensation. Most of the time, gastro-esophageal reflux is caused by changes in the functioning of the sphincter (they are circular muscles) present between the esophagus and the stomach.
The lower esophageal sphincter prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, acid reflux can occur, allowing stomach acid to travel upward into the esophagus.
Main symptoms of reflux
The main symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux are –
- Burning rising from the pit of the stomach to the throat;
- Sensation of food returning from the stomach to the mouth;
- Sour taste in the mouth;
- Sensation of lump in the throat;
- Heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting;
- Cough, hoarseness or frequent clearing of the throat;
- Pain or difficulty swallowing food.
Especially when reflux is constant and untreated, it can result in inflammation of the esophageal wall, and increase the risk of esophageal cancer. You need to visit best gastroenterologist doctor in Kolkata if you have any of the symptoms associated with acid reflux. Don’t ignore!
Reflux Symptoms in Babies
Acid reflux is common in babies under 1 year of age and usually does not cause symptoms other than gurgling. In some cases it can also cause irritability, developmental delays and difficulty breastfeeding or gaining weight. Furthermore, in more serious cases, the baby may also develop recurrent ear infections or even pneumonia.
Reflux symptoms in pregnancy
The symptoms of reflux during pregnancy are the same as those seen in women who are not pregnant and are more frequent from the end of the first trimester.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of gastro-esophageal reflux is made by the best gastroenterologist doctor in Kolkata or, in the case of children, a pediatrician, taking into account the symptoms and the results of tests such as endoscopy or 24-hour pH monitoring. The doctor may recommend upper digestive endoscopy with the aim of also ruling out more serious problems in people with symptoms such as pain, anemia, weight loss or liver disease.
Possible causes
The main causes of acid reflux are –
- Anatomical changes in the functioning of the esophageal sphincter
- Use of medications, such as some antihistamines, antidepressants and calcium channel blockers
- Hiatus hernia
- Weakness of the muscles in the region
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Excessive smoking and drinking alcohol
- Eating large meals or lying down after eating
- Spicy or fatty foods
- Carbonated beverages
- Stress
Possible medicines for acid reflux
Some of the most recommended medicines by best gastroenterologist doctor in Kolkata include –
- Antacids: neutralize the acidity of the stomach
- Acid production inhibitors: inhibit the production of acid in the stomach
- Gastric emptying accelerators: accelerate stomach emptying
- Gastric protectors: form a protective barrier on the mucosa of the stomach and esophagus.
Since the symptoms and causes of reflux vary greatly from one person to another, medications should always be prescribed by the best gastroenterologist doctor, who will evaluate the clinical history and indicate the doses and duration of medication treatment. Surgery is normally only used as a last resort. With proper treatment and on-time attention, you can minimize potential risk factors. Call Dr. Debanjan Mukherjee now!
drmukherjee
