According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 28 percent of people in North America experience heartburn. For many, they are all too familiar with the burning sensation in the center of their chest, and acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disorder is usually the culprit. For comprehensive acid reflux treatment options in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX, contact Dr. Ilyas Memon and the team at Greater Houston Gastroenterology.
Most people treat heartburn at home by making lifestyle changes or using over-the-counter medication. Quitting smoking, losing weight or changing their eating habits are some of the most common ways people modify their lifestyle to treat acid reflux.
People also use over-the-counter medications like acid reducers and antacids to treat heartburn symptoms. At Greater Houston Gastroenterology, Dr. Memon's acid reflux treatment options include getting to the underlying cause of a patient's heartburn and doesn't always include masking the problem with medication.
People who treat heartburn on their own would benefit most from making lifestyle changes without the use of medication. For example, eating smaller meals and chewing food thoroughly are known to reduce heartburn symptoms. Avoiding certain foods like fried foods, fatty foods, onions, garlic and citrus fruits are also known to help treat acid reflux.
Stress is also a known cause of acid reflux. Studies show an association between esophagus inflammation and psychological stress. Additionally, the higher a person's stress level, the more inflammation a person is likely to experience.
For those who want immediate relief, medications are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Here is a brief summary of the available medications:
To learn more about acid reflux treatment options in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX, contact Dr. Memon and the team at Greater Houston Gastroenterology by calling (281) 783-6459 (The Woodlands) or (281) 764-9500 (Conroe).