Acid Reflux – Symptoms and Causes

At Internists of North Dallas, our experienced physicians frequently diagnose and manage acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus—the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach—often leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort.

The condition is primarily caused by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When the LES becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, it allows stomach acid and partially digested food to escape into the esophagus, resulting in the symptoms of acid reflux.

Our team at Internists of North Dallas understands that several factors can contribute to this problem, including obesity, pregnancy, and lifestyle choices such as consuming fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol. Smoking and certain medications can also increase your risk. Additionally, medical conditions such as a hiatal hernia can further predispose individuals to acid reflux.

While many people experience occasional acid reflux, chronic or severe symptoms may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that requires careful management to prevent complications. At Internists of North Dallas, we emphasize a comprehensive approach—beginning with a thorough evaluation to identify your unique risk factors, followed by personalized recommendations for dietary and lifestyle modifications, medication management, and, when necessary, referral to specialists.

If you are experiencing frequent heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux, the physicians at Internists of North Dallas are here to help you find relief and prevent long-term complications. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan.

At Internists of North Dallas, our experienced team is dedicated to accurately diagnosing and managing acid reflux to help you achieve lasting relief. We understand that acid reflux can significantly affect your quality of life, so our diagnostic process is thorough and patient-centered.

Your evaluation at Internists of North Dallas begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history and a detailed discussion of your symptoms. Our providers will ask about the type, frequency, and severity of issues such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, or difficulty swallowing. We also take time to explore lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and any medications that could be contributing to your symptoms.

A physical examination is often performed in our clinic to check for signs associated with acid reflux or related complications. In many cases, if your symptoms are typical and respond well to initial treatments, we can make a diagnosis without the need for further testing.

However, if your symptoms are persistent, severe, or atypical—or if you experience warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, bleeding, or trouble swallowing—our team may recommend additional diagnostic tests.

By combining a thorough medical history, thoughtful symptom evaluation, and advanced diagnostic testing when necessary, the physicians at Internists of North Dallas are committed to providing you with a precise diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to help you manage your acid reflux effectively and improve your overall well-being.

If you suffer from acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), making careful choices about your diet can play an important role in managing your symptoms. At Internists of North Dallas, our team is committed to helping patients find relief from heartburn, regurgitation, and other uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux.

Certain foods are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When this muscle relaxes, it can allow acid to flow back into the esophagus and worsen GERD symptoms.

Common Acid Reflux Triggers:

• Fatty and Fried Foods: Foods like French fries, full-fat dairy, and fatty cuts of meat can slow digestion and increase your risk of reflux.

• Spicy Foods: Dishes made with hot peppers, chili powder, and curries may irritate the esophagus and trigger discomfort.

• Tomato-Based Products: Items such as pasta sauce, ketchup, and salsa are acidic and can cause symptoms to flare.

• Citrus Fruits and Juices: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and their juices are highly acidic and often aggravate heartburn.

• Chocolate: Contains substances that relax the esophageal sphincter and may increase reflux.

• Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages: Coffee, tea, sodas, and sparkling drinks can worsen symptoms by increasing pressure in the stomach.

• Alcohol: Especially in excess, alcohol relaxes the esophageal sphincter and irritates the stomach lining.

• Onions, Garlic, and Pungent Foods: These are frequently reported to trigger reflux in sensitive individuals.

• Peppermint and Spearmint: Both can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, so mints and mint-flavored products are best avoided if you are prone to reflux.

Because triggers can vary from person to person, keeping a food diary is a helpful way to identify which foods worsen your symptoms. If you find that acid reflux is persistent or interfering with your daily life, our physicians at Internists of North Dallas are here to help. We offer personalized guidance and treatment options to help you manage GERD effectively and improve your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing an acid reflux attack, there are steps you can take to quickly ease discomfort and minimize further irritation. At Internists of North Dallas, we recommend the following strategies to help manage your symptoms:

• Stay Upright: Sit or stand as soon as you notice symptoms. Remaining upright helps gravity keep stomach acid from rising into your esophagus. Avoid lying down or bending over, as these positions can worsen reflux.

• Sip Water: Drinking small amounts of water can help rinse acid from your esophagus and dilute stomach contents, providing some relief.

• Relax and Breathe: Anxiety can intensify reflux symptoms. Focus on slow, calm breathing and try to relax your body.

• Loosen Tight Clothing: Remove or loosen belts and tight waistbands to reduce pressure on your stomach.

• Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks: Steer clear of acidic juices, caffeinated beverages, spicy dishes, and fatty foods during an attack. If you’ve just eaten, stop eating and allow your stomach time to settle.

• Try Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help wash acid from your esophagus.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If this is your first episode of severe heartburn or you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, seek emergency care immediately, as these could be signs of a heart attack. Ongoing or frequent acid reflux attacks should be discussed with your provider at Internists of North Dallas. Persistent reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus and may require prescription medications or additional testing.

We’re Here to Help
If acid reflux is affecting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to reach out to Internists of North Dallas. Our physicians can help you identify triggers, recommend lifestyle modifications, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Patients trust Dr. Nabila Aslam, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, at Internists of North Dallas for managing acid reflux symptoms due to her extensive expertise and compassionate approach to care. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Dr. Aslam is committed to helping her patients achieve optimal health and improve their quality of life. She takes the time to understand each patient’s unique symptoms and concerns, offering personalized treatment plans that effectively manage acid reflux and other digestive issues.

At Internists of North Dallas in Irving, Texas, Dr. Aslam’s mission is to provide healthcare with compassion, dignity, and respect. She recognizes the challenges that acid reflux can cause and works closely with her patients to find the most effective solutions. Her deep understanding of internal medicine, combined with her dedication to patient care, has earned her the trust of those seeking relief from acid reflux and a wide range of other health conditions.

Dr. Nabila Aslam, MD, is dedicated to ensuring her patients receive the highest level of care, with a focus on improving their health and well-being. Patients can trust her compassionate approach and expertise to effectively manage their acid reflux symptoms and overall health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4500 N MacArthur Blvd #130, Irving, TX 75038. We serve patients from Irving TX, Coppell TX, Euless TX, Las Colinas TX, Farmers Branch TX, Valley Ranch TX, and surrounding areas.