Acid Reflux

Atlantic Medical Group

Gastroenterologists & Bariatrics located in Kinston, NC & Jacksonville, NC

Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows up into the patient’s throat, causing uncomfortable symptoms and tissue damage. For some people, acid reflux occurs frequently enough to be considered a disease. Dr. Eric Ibegbu can diagnose acid reflux disease and provide effective treatment options for patients with this condition in Kinston and Jacksonville, North Carolina. To schedule treatment for acid reflux disease, please contact Atlantic Medical Group today. You can call the office or use our convenient online scheduling tool.

Acid Reflux Q & A

WATS3D, a breakthrough endoscopic tissue acquisition procedure, can help your doctor detect precancerous cells so they can be removed before they can turn into esophageal cancer.

It as an Artificial Intelligence powered diagnostic platform to help prevent esophageal cancer.

Atlantic medical group is the first and only endoscopy center in Eastern North Carolina to offer this life saving technique!

Call us today if you suffer from chronic acid reflux.

What causes acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease, which may also be called gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when acid reflux happens frequently. In most cases, the condition develops because of a weak esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle in your esophagus that’s responsible for allowing food into your stomach and preventing the backflow of acid. When this occurs, stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, and you’ll experience the symptoms of acid reflux.

Can patients treat acid reflux disease at home?

If your acid reflux disease is mild, you may be able to control the symptoms with over-the-counter medications, such as antacids to neutralize stomach acid or medications to slow the production of stomach acid. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you may need professional treatment.

When should patients get professional treatment for acid reflux?

You may need to seek treatment for acid reflux disease if you’ve tried at-home medications for two or three weeks without experiencing relief. You may also need to seek professional treatment for your condition if at-home medications don’t take away all of your symptoms or if the acid reflux is disrupting your life.

What prescription treatments are available?

If you decide to seek treatment for your condition at Atlantic Medical Group, Dr. Ibegbu may offer a variety of different treatments, including:

Prescription strength proton pump inhibitors
Prescription strength H-2-receptor blockers
Medications to strengthen your esophageal sphincter

In some cases, even prescription medications may not be enough to take away all of the symptoms of acid reflux disease and prevent damage to your throat. If so, Dr. Ibegbu may recommend surgery.

How does surgery help with acid reflux disease?

Dr. Ibegbu may recommend two different surgical procedures to people with acid reflux disease: surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter or surgery to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter.

Like all surgical procedures, each of these surgery poses some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and tissue damage. However, if your condition is severe, the benefits of a surgical procedure may outweigh these risks. Dr. Ibegbu will discuss these issues with you in detail so you can make the right choice.

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