How your gastroenterologists in Greenbelt, MD can help with heartburn

It’s common to suffer heartburn occasionally, especially when you eat acidic or spicy foods. If you notice heartburn symptoms more often, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD.

The good news is, your gastroenterologist can help you feel better. Dr. Sushil Rattan and Dr. Radman Mostaghim at GI Med Health in Greenbelt MD offer a full range of GI services, including treatment for GERD.

Do I Have Heartburn?

Heartburn feels like a burning pain in your chest, but it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid coming back up through your esophagus. Your Greenbelt, MD Gastroenterologist can help.

Occasionally, the sphincter muscle which separates your stomach from your esophagus can malfunction and not close properly. The incomplete closure of the sphincter lets stomach acid travel backward up through your esophagus, causing the feeling of heartburn. Heartburn also happens frequently at night and can become worse when you bend over or lie down.

Frequent heartburn may mean you have acid reflux, a common problem. If acid reflux goes untreated, it can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. This chronic condition can damage your esophageal lining, and could potentially cause esophageal cancer. That's why it's important to schedule your appointment with Greenbelt, MD Gastroenterologist.

Preventing Heartburn

To help prevent heartburn, you can try:

• Eating smaller meals and avoiding large ones
• Avoiding eating late at night
• Avoiding acidic or spicy foods
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Taking over-the-counter antacids

If you don’t get relief from simple remedies like those listed above, it’s time to seek out the services of a specialist, your Greenbelt, MD Gastroenterologist. Professional treatments for heartburn include prescription-strength antacids and other medications to reduce stomach acid, along with lifestyle modifications, including diet.

If you are experiencing heartburn, you are not alone. In fact, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, it is estimated over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and 15 million Americans feel heartburn on most days.

Call Us To Learn More About Heartburn Treatment

Don’t suffer from heartburn when relief is just a phone call away. To find out more about heartburn treatment and other GI services, call Dr. Sushil Rattan and Dr. Radman Mostaghim of GI Med Health in Greenbelt, MD at (301) 982-7900. Call now and feel better!