Acid Reflux Treatment: Relieve Your Symptoms with Expert Care

Acid reflux, often referred to as heartburn, can cause significant discomfort and disrupt your daily life. If you suffer from frequent acid reflux or experience throat-related symptoms, Dr. Ramie A. Tritt at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. can help. With extensive expertise in treating acid reflux, GERD, and related conditions like laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), Dr. Tritt offers personalized solutions to help alleviate your symptoms and protect your throat from long-term damage.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle ring at the top of your stomach, fails to properly close, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

While occasional acid reflux is common, frequent episodes can evolve into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Over time, untreated GERD can cause more severe conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

Common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn or chest pain
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Excessive belching
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Bloating or fullness
• Regurgitation of food or stomach acid

In more severe cases, acid reflux may develop into laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), where stomach contents travel up the esophagus into the back of the throat or nasal passages. This can cause additional symptoms such as:

• Hoarseness
• Throat pain
• Croup-like coughing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic sinus infections or ear infections

Why See an ENT Specialist for Acid Reflux?

While many people associate acid reflux with stomach-related symptoms, it can significantly affect the throat and airways. As an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, Dr. Tritt is uniquely qualified to address the complications of acid reflux, including inflammation and lesions in the throat, narrowing of the airway (stenosis), and damage to the vocal cords.

Treating acid reflux early can help prevent long-term damage and reduce the risk of complications like:

• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Chronic cough
• Throat discomfort
• Barrett’s esophagus (a precursor to esophageal cancer)

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Several factors contribute to acid reflux, including:

• Obesity and poor eating habits
• Fatty, spicy, or rich foods
• Overeating or eating too late
• Alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Smoking

Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly improve your symptoms. For example, avoiding large meals, staying upright after eating, and reducing foods that trigger reflux can all help manage the condition.

Treatment Options for Acid Reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux, there are several treatment options available to help manage your symptoms:

1. Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers can help neutralize or reduce stomach acid production.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthier diet, losing weight, and avoiding trigger foods can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of reflux episodes.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures: In some cases, advanced procedures such as endoscopic treatments or surgeries may be necessary to repair damage caused by chronic acid reflux or GERD.

Why Choose Atlanta ENT?

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and his team specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux and its impact on your throat and airways. With personalized treatment plans and cutting-edge technology, we’re committed to providing you with lasting relief from acid reflux and its associated complications.

If you’re ready to find relief from acid reflux and improve your quality of life, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Sandy Springs or Cumming, GA. Our expert team is here to help you manage your condition and restore your health.

Call (770) 740-1860 or Book Online for your consultation today! Take the first step toward relief and let us help you live without the discomfort of acid reflux!

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.