Acid Reflux Specialist

Gil I. Ascunce, MD Our Services Acid Reflux
Gil I. Ascunce, MD - - Gastroenterologist

Gil I. Ascunce, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Midtown, New York, NY

Acid reflux is an uncomfortable and frustrating condition that affects millions of Americans every year. If you are experiencing heartburn and regurgitation on a regular basis, you may have chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause a number of complications if left untreated. For diagnosis and effective treatment options, visit Gil I. Ascunce, MD, and the friendly staff at his office in Manhattan on Madison Avenue of New York City. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Acid Reflux Q & A

What is acid reflux?

The acid in your stomach is important for digestion and for your immune system, but sometimes stomach acid can overflow into your esophagus in a process called acid reflux. While your stomach is able to withstand the effects of acid, your esophagus is not protected in the same way.

Occasional acid reflux is common and not always a sign of a serious problem, but it can be a symptom of several gastrointestinal disorders. If you have acid reflux more than twice a week, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can cause complications such as scarring to your esophagus over time.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Acid reflux is most recognizable by the following signs and symptoms:

  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation of food or a sour, bitter tasting fluid
  • Bloating
  • Bloody or black stools
  • Burping
  • Feeling like something is caught in your throat
  • Hiccups that won’t go away
  • Nausea
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Wheezing, hoarseness, or a sore throat
  • A dry cough

If you experience these symptoms chronically or more than once a week, visit Dr. Ascunce for a diagnosis.

How is acid reflux treated?

Acid reflux is treated by various techniques that depend on the nature of the symptoms.  Often, patients will benefit by temporarily reducing the acidity of the stomach. Sometimes, what you may perceive as acid, may represent other related conditions of the stomach and esophagus.  Sometimes, even stress can provoke a sensation of acid reflux that may not be specifically related to acid.

If you smoke, quit as soon as possible, and avoid eating right before lying down or going to bed. Keeping your weight within a healthy range is also often helpful, and Dr. Ascunce can provide further tips and insight on how to manage your symptoms during your appointment.

If your acid reflux does not respond to these changes, medication is also available. Common antacids are often effective for moderate symptoms, and, if necessary, Dr. Ascunce can prescribe a medication to decrease acid production or neutralize its effects on your esophagus.

To learn more about acid reflux and available treatments, call Dr. Ascunce’s office or schedule an appointment online today.

Conditions We Treat