Acid reflux, which causes the more widely known condition called heartburn, is incredibly common. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 60 million Americans will suffer from heartburn every month. Pregnant women also experience heartburn more on average due to a hormone called, Progesterone, relaxing the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Heartburn is a painful annoyance but it is one that is preventable.
What is heartburn/acid reflux?
The pain that comes from acid reflux occurs when stomach acid can escape the stomach and enter the esophagus. There is a muscular valve that connects the two organs and if it relaxes too much, it can cause stomach acid to pass through. Usually, brief contact between your stomach juices and your esophagus does not cause any harm or pain, but if they are in contact for too long a burning sensation will begin to form. If you suffer from acid reflux more than twice in one week, you have what is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Prevention
There are a number of easy things you can do to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. Here are just a few tips:
Treatment
There are a few at-home remedies that work for the treatment of acid reflux and heartburn.
See a medical professional if you experience acid reflux more than twice a week. You should also seek medical attention if you develop new symptoms like shortness of breath or have difficulty swallowing. Contact us or walk-in for treatment if needed.
Twin Rivers Urgent Care offers convenient, quality healthcare when you need it most. We’re open for walk-in service seven days a week with extended hours, to get you in and out quickly. Our medical team is ready to focus on you – whether it’s a cold or flu, a strain or sprain, or something more complicated.
For a serious condition, stroke or stroke-like symptoms, chest pain or heart attack symptoms, severe bleeding, head trauma with loss of consciousness or other major trauma-go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
At Twin Rivers, we are focused on taking care of our community. We offer both walk-in and booked visits. Please note that booked appointments function as a pre-registration to save you time. There may be instances in which a short wait time will be required for those that booked. We are dedicated to get you in as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.