Are you experiencing a burning sensation in your chest after eating? Does the burning worsen when lying down? This discomfort is commonly described as acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This triggers heartburn, and may also include a sour taste or regurgitated food in the back of your mouth. Acid reflux may the result of your food habits.
Acid reflux or silent reflux can be alleviated by monitoring your intake of fatty and fried foods, eating smaller meals, and avoiding eating at night. If you have modified your diet and taken over the counter (OTC) heartburn medications, yet still experience acid reflux, the cause of your discomfort may be more serious.
Acid reflux may advance into more severe reflux, known as GERD. The most common upper GI procedure to screen for GERD is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, referred to by its more pronounceable name, EGD.
An EGD is performed by one of our board-certified gastroenterologists. While screening, our gastroenterologists check for any lesions in the linking of the esophagus that could be exacerbating your discomfort. In order to so, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted in the mouth, down the throat and into the esophagus and upper portion of the stomach. The endoscope has a tiny camera on the end, which the gastroenterologist views on a large monitor. He or she is able to view all around the upper GI tract and check for acid erosion, signs of cancer or ulcers.
An EGD may not sound like the most pleasant experience, but our expert patient care physicians make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Untreated GERD over time damages the lining of the esophagus, potentially resulting in painful inflammation, permanent damage, and even cancer. If you are experiencing chronic heartburn, regardless of your diet and lifestyle efforts, visit one of our many gastroenterology experts at North Texas Endoscopy.