As an ENT, I see patients who are having trouble with acid reflux. Usually, by the time they come to see me, it is severe. They are experiencing hoarseness, changes in voice, sore throats, waking up in the middle of the night choking on phlegm, or have a morning cough. These patients do not necessarily have heartburn, and many times this symptom is not what brings them into my office.
Traditionally, we would prescribe an antacid medication or recommend the patient try Tums or Rolaids to ease their symptoms. Now, we are learning that these drugs can cause problems. We have acid in our stomachs to digest and process the foods that we are eating. By lowering the acid in the stomach, many other issues can arise.
For instance, there could be an overgrowth of bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is essential to get to the root cause of the acid reflux instead of adding a medication.
In my practice, I take a functional medicine approach to treating patients. I use detailed diagnostics and lab testing to evaluate what is truly happening in the body. Often, I find that inflammation is the culprit, and once we address that, the symptoms improve or resolve. If you are struggling with acid reflux, I would be happy to help you get to the cause of your concern. Contact me using my secure online form to learn more about how I can help you. Let’s work together to alleviate your symptoms and optimize your health.
