Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or (GERD) is commonly caused by the backflow of stomach acids and sometimes ingested foods. Symptoms include common cases of heartburn, difficulty in swallowing, chronic coughing, throat clearing, and mucus build-up in the throat.
Symptoms of GERD are very common to the symptoms of sinusitis and sometimes acid reflux can contribute to sinusitis by causing the nose sinus linings to inflame. In some cases, your ENT specialist may ask you to see a gastroenterologist in order to conduct additional tests and evaluate your GERD.
GERD can be managed with medical treatment as well as lifestyle and dietary changes. In the most chronic cases, surgical treatment may be required. Some lifestyle and dietary changes include the complete stop in the usage of alcohol or nicotine products since they irritate the stomach and increase acid production. Avoiding spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, fatty fried foods, and citrus fruits and juices is also highly recommended. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight clothing around the waist, avoiding late night meals, as well as not lying down after eating can help as well.
To learn more about GERD and what you can do to avoid it please contact our office and schedule an appointment today for a full evaluation.