Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Tulsa, OK

The difference between acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease can be confusing. Simply put, GERD is acid reflux that happens more frequently for a longer period of time. In the event you have heartburn or other symptoms either daily or multiple times throughout the week, or you have symptoms that do not ease with over-the-counter methods, GERD could be to blame.

If you have GERD, you may be advised to avoid foods that enhance the production of stomach acid. Some of these foods include:

• Citrus fruits (such as grapefruits and oranges)
• Foods high in fat
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic
• Onion
• Red meat
• Spicy foods
• Foods high in sugar
• Caffeine (such as coffee and soda)

The team at Adult Gastroenterology Associates can give you more information on foods to reduce or cut from your diet if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

GERD is typically not life-threatening. It can make completing day-to-day tasks unpleasant at times, but you can likely find some reprieve with care. If not treated, gastroesophageal reflux disease might lead to more complicated gastrointestinal issues. A few examples involve esophagitis (irritation of the lining of the esophagus) and Barrett’s esophagus, a disease that damages the esophagus (the structure that connects the mouth and stomach). Undergoing proper treatment for this condition can help safeguard your health.

The time it takes for gastroesophageal reflux disease to improve with treatment depends on a few factors. These include the kind of medication you are taking, the damage caused by the disease up until diagnosis, and whether you avoid foods that trigger its effects. With the proper treatment, however, you may see your GERD symptoms diminish over time. Although you may not be able to cure GERD entirely, you can likely manage its symptoms successfully.