For occasional heartburn, an antacid may be all you need. But when burning, regurgitation, or throat discomfort keeps coming back, reaching for a quick fix every day, or several times a day, may not address the bigger picture.
Chronic acid reflux, often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can affect sleep, eating habits, and everyday comfort. Fortunately, managing persistent reflux doesn’t have to mean taking medication indefinitely.
Dr. Prem Chattoo and his team at Hudson River Gastroenterology in New York take a long-term approach to managing acid reflux. He considers your personal triggers, habits, medications, and the underlying cause of your symptoms before tailoring a treatment strategy to your needs.
Here’s a look at why you shouldn’t ignore chronic acid reflux and long-term solutions for managing it.
Most people experience occasional acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid moves backward (refluxes) into the esophagus. This can happen after a heavy, rushed, or overly spicy meal. It may also be related to stressful situations.
Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid, which can provide fast, short-term relief. However, frequent acid reflux often signals that the lower esophageal sphincter isn’t functioning properly.
Untreated, severe or frequent acid reflux (occurring twice a week) can eventually lead to medical complications such as esophageal irritation, open sores in the throat, worsening asthma, and increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Our team recommends scheduling an evaluation if you have:
Effective treatment can reduce symptoms as well as the potential complications of GERD.
Before committing to long-term treatment, it’s important to confirm that reflux is actually causing your symptoms. Several digestive and nondigestive conditions can produce symptoms that resemble GERD.
Dr. Chattoo reviews your symptoms, medical history, diet, medications, and response to previous treatments before making treatment recommendations. He may also consider further testing, such as an upper endoscopy, ambulatory pH or impedance monitoring, or other studies designed to determine whether acid or nonacid reflux is occurring.
This step matters because treatment works best when it’s based on an accurate diagnosis rather than assumptions. A gastroenterologist can also identify warning signs that warrant further evaluation, such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent vomiting, or anemia.
For people with confirmed GERD, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers may be recommended. PPIs reduce stomach acid production and are commonly used when symptoms are frequent or when the esophagus needs time to heal.
However, medication is only one piece of the puzzle. Everyday habits may influence how often reflux occurs.
Lifestyle habits that can make a significant difference include:
Lifestyle changes and medication control symptoms for most people. If not, depending on the underlying problem, Dr. Chattoo may consider procedures that can improve the barrier between your stomach and esophagus.
You don’t have to accept acid reflux as a part of everyday life. A thoughtful, long-term strategy starts with confirming the diagnosis, identifying personal triggers, and choosing treatment based on the severity and cause of your symptoms.
If reflux keeps returning despite over-the-counter remedies, schedule a visit with Dr. Prem Chattoo today. Call one of our conveniently located offices in NYC or request an appointment online.
