
When to See a Specialist About Heartburn

Over 15 million Americans have symptoms of heartburn every day, and 60 million of the US population experience it at least once a month. So, if you suffer from symptoms of this condition, you aren’t alone.
Whether you have mild or severe heartburn, you should come see us at The Bariatric Experts, led by Dr. Scott Stowers. We have the expertise to determine why you have it, give you guidance on how to prevent it, and provide treatment for it.
When to seek professional help for your heartburn
No one should have to suffer from the discomfort of heartburn. We’re here to help, regardless of the severity of your symptoms.
However, don’t delay scheduling an appointment with us if you have any of the following issues:
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chronic choking sensation
- Sensation that you have a lump in your throat
- Extreme stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
If you take over-the counter medications for longer than two weeks without relief, you should seek our expertise to alleviate your symptoms.
How to prevent heartburn
Dietary factors play a major role in the underlying causes of heartburn. To help reduce your heartburn symptoms on your own, consider these lifestyle changes:
- Eat a low-carb diet
- Don’t overeat
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Limit your carbonated beverages
- Lose weight if you’re overweight
- Stay away from coffee
- Chew gum
- Avoid eating chocolate
- Elevate your head in the bed
- Refrain from eating three hours before going to sleep
Following these simple practices can help you eliminate the onset of heartburn and avoid the symptoms altogether.
Treatments for your heartburn
If your lifestyle changes don’t give you the relief you need, schedule an appointment to come see us at The Bariatrics Experts. We can provide three types of treatments, including:
Antacids
This type of medication reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, which can relieve your heartburn. It can also soothe an upset stomach and relieve indigestion.
Acid blockers
This type of medication reduces the production of acid in your stomach. It can negatively interact with other medications, so be sure to tell us if you’re taking any and what they are.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)
If you suffer from heartburn two or more days a week, PPIs can take one to four days to reach their full effect. They work to reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach. You should only use PPIs for a 14-day course of treatment, up to three times a year.
All treatments are over-the-counter, or we can prescribe prescription strength. When you come in for your exam, we assess your symptoms and condition, and then we determine the best treatment to relieve your heartburn.
To get answers and treatment for your heartburn symptoms, contact our team today in Frisco, Denton, or Abilene, Texas. Call or schedule your appointment online. We can also set up a telehealth appointment if you live over 2 hours away from our office.
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