Acid Reflux Treatment in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is acid reflux?
Any time we swallow liquids or foods, they pass through our esophagus into our stomach. Between our esophagus and stomach, there is a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This opens and closes, allowing food to pass through into the stomach.
Each of us has stomach acid to help digest the food we eat. Unfortunately, if the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close completely, it can allow some of the acid to migrate in reverse and into the esophagus, possibly causing harm and/or progressing to long-term acid reflux. That is when we experience “heartburn” from acid reflux because the acid creates a burning sensation. Treatment is available, however, for acid reflux in Denver, CO. At Colorado Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastrointestinal physicians regularly help manage acid reflux and can help relieve heartburn and other symptoms. Schedule a consultation for more information on the type of treatment we provide.
What causes acid reflux or heartburn?
Although acid reflux is very common, there is not one specific cause of acid reflux. There are many components that could contribute to a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter and allow stomach acid to flow back up the digestive tract. Acid reflux can be caused by some foods, medications, pre-existing conditions, or some activities after eating. Varying factors can affect an individual’s acid reflux in different ways. Some common causes of acid reflux include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
- Weak or compromised LES
- Caffeine
- Alcohol (particularly red wine)
- Carbonated beverages
- Spicy or fatty foods
- Low-fiber diet
- Eating a heavy meal then lying down
- Chocolate, citrus fruits, peppermint, tomatoes, black pepper, garlic, and raw onions
- Certain medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, and those for blood pressure)
Oftentimes, acid reflux is called heartburn. Common symptoms of acid reflux may include:
- Bloating
- Dysphagia
- Unexplained weight loss
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquids
- Pain in the chest
If you are dealing with these symptoms on a regular basis, then you might suffer from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If this is the situation, please reach out to Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists today.
How can a person relieve acid reflux?
The best and most successful method for relieving acid reflux in Denver, CO is to reach out to a board-certified GI specialist at Colorado Gastroenterology. However, there are also some lifestyle changes that you can implement that could assist in lessening the severity and frequency of symptoms. These might include (but are not limited) to:
- Eating slowly and in moderation
- (If overweight) Losing extra weight
- Quitting smoking
- Sleeping at an incline with your head raised above your feet
- Consistently standing or sitting upright after eating
- Telling your gastroenterologist any medications you are currently taking
- Avoidance of "trigger" foods and beverages
- Limiting your intake of caffeine
- Not eating for, at minimum, 120 minutes prior to going to bed
For more information on how to manage acid reflux, contact our experienced team. We will help you find proper treatment so that you can find relief.
Find treatment for acid reflux
If you experience consistent heartburn in Denver, CO, or the other bothersome effects of acid reflux, we urge you to contact Colorado Gastroenterology to receive help from an expert GI doctor. Our physician-led network of GI specialists works to educate and care for individuals with gastrointestinal problems, like acid reflux and GERD. If you or a loved one suspect GERD, contact Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule an appointment.
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Very knowledgeable doctor. He also took his time listening to my concerns and was patience. I'm very satisfied with my visit. Thank you
I saw Dr Brenner years ago and decided to do a follow up. She was as wonderful as I remember 9 years ago. Getting an appointment scheduled was not an issue, and I was happy to do a an appointment over the phone as well. Great experience.
Dr Rufner is a caring physician and listens intently to concerns.
Very pleasant visit. The steps to diagnose my condition were explained to me and I felt quite comfortable with this doctor.
Dr. Sieja listed to what I had to say. Scheduled appointments for me the very next day, in order to get to the root of my problem. I am thankful for having him as my doctor.
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