Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series! In this blog series, Dr. Josef Schenker, our Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care, combines his expertise in internal medicine and emergency care to share guidance that’s practical and easy to follow. Whether it’s tackling everyday health concerns or building long-term habits, these tips are designed to make your wellness journey more approachable.
How to Relieve Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is something that many people face regularly. For some, it’s an occasional annoyance, but for others, it’s a daily challenge that can seriously interfere with their quality of life. If you’ve ever felt that burning sensation after eating, you know how frustrating it can be. But here’s the good news: acid reflux is manageable, especially when caught early.
It’s important to take action and make a few simple changes before things get worse. Without proper care, acid reflux can progress to more severe conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Research shows that GERD affects roughly 18% to 28% of Americans, making it a common but potentially serious issue. In this article, Dr. Josef Schenker breaks down what acid reflux is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can find lasting relief.
In simple terms, acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into your esophagus. This is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Normally, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) keeps the acid where it belongs. But if the LES doesn’t close properly, that acid can sneak up into your esophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation known as heartburn.
There are different levels of acid reflux. For some, it might just be a mild case, where heartburn only happens occasionally. But for others, it can be more severe and frequent, which is when we start talking about GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD can cause not only heartburn but also more severe symptoms like chest pain.
The most common symptoms of acid reflux include:
- A burning feeling in your chest (heartburn)
- A sour or bitter taste in your mouth
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Trouble swallowing
- A feeling like there’s a lump in your throat
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s important to take note of when they happen and what might be triggering them. Recognizing the signs early can help you take action and prevent things from getting worse.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
According to Josef Schenker, MD, several factors can contribute to acid reflux, and many of them have to do with our everyday habits. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Foods and Drinks: Certain foods, like spicy dishes, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, are known to trigger acid reflux.
- Eating Habits: Eating large meals or lying down right after eating can cause pressure to build up, leading to acid reflux.
- Excess Weight: Carrying extra pounds, especially around your midsection, can put more pressure on your stomach and LES, making it easier for acid to escape.
- Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES, making it more likely for acid to flow into the esophagus.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the growing baby can increase pressure on the stomach, which often leads to reflux.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to reflux.
Understanding what might be causing your acid reflux can help you take the right steps toward relief.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Relieve Acid Reflux
Dealing with acid reflux early is key to avoiding long-term issues. While some home remedies may help, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for the right advice. Without treatment, chronic acid reflux can lead to more serious problems like inflammation or damage to the esophagus. Dr. Josef Schenker stresses the importance of managing symptoms before they get worse.
Diet Changes
Cutting out trigger foods like spicy, fatty dishes, caffeine, and alcohol is key to managing acid reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals reduces pressure on the stomach. Opt for lean proteins, non-citrus fruits, and vegetables. Keeping a food diary helps identify personal triggers for better control.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Losing weight and quitting smoking can significantly reduce acid reflux. Avoid lying down right after meals, as gravity helps keep stomach acid down. Staying upright for 2-3 hours post-meal prevents acid from rising into the esophagus, offering natural relief.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Antacids like Tums provide fast, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid production for longer-lasting relief. These should be used occasionally and alongside lifestyle changes to manage symptoms effectively and prevent reliance on medications.
Home Remedies
Home remedies like elevating your bed’s head, chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva, and drinking herbal teas like ginger or chamomile can help soothe mild acid reflux. These natural approaches complement diet and lifestyle adjustments, offering easy, accessible ways to reduce discomfort.
Prescription Medication
For severe acid reflux, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications or suggest surgery to reinforce the LES. Prescription medications are crucial when over-the-counter remedies don’t work. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures proper treatment and prevents long-term complications.
Taking a proactive approach by combining lifestyle changes with proper medication can keep acid reflux from becoming a bigger problem.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Antacids like Tums or Maalox can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid. While these are great for short-term relief, they don’t address the root cause of acid reflux. It’s important to focus on long-term solutions with the help of healthcare professionals.
Yes, sipping water can help wash acid back down into the stomach, providing temporary relief. You should still be cautious about drinking too much water during meals, as it can increase the risk of reflux by overfilling the stomach.
Acid reflux usually causes heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, and sometimes regurgitation. An ulcer, on the other hand, is more likely to cause a burning pain in your stomach. If you’re unsure, a doctor can help determine which condition you’re dealing with.
No, acid reflux typically does not cure itself. While occasional symptoms may subside, persistent acid reflux requires lifestyle changes or medical treatment to manage. Without proper intervention, it can lead to more serious conditions like GERD or esophageal damage.
Expert Solutions for Lasting Relief from Acid Reflux
Don’t ignore acid reflux and just allow it to become a regular part of your life. Early treatment is key to avoiding more serious problems down the road.
We, at Centers Urgent Care, can provide you with the help you need to effectively manage acid reflux. Led by Dr. Josef Schenker, our team of licensed medical practitioners can offer the appropriate professional help- from the diagnosis to the treatment of acid reflux. Let us help you keep acid reflux under control and provide you with a clear path to relief in any of our facilities across New York. Get back to feeling your best – contact us today!
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker , a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.