Q:

I think that I may have acid reflux disease because after eating something acidic (or sometimes, just regular food), I often have a burning feeling in the back of my throat and I can taste stomach acid. Are these symptoms close to those of the disease? Can you tell me more about it? Thanks!

A:

It is possible you have reflux if you are experiencing burning in your throat with acid taste after eating. That is certainly one of the symptoms, as well as worsening when you lie down, and chronic sore throat and bad breath. You may have chest pains, and abdominal pains as well.

It deserves a work up with lab work to rule out a bacterial infection in the stomach lining called Helicobacter pylori, and to confirm that cell counts and chemistries are normal. Generally we recommend restricting caffeine, alcohol, as well as over the counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. We try antacids first, like ranitidine, and if that is not helping, going to a stronger prescription reflux drug.

Reflux can cause significant damage to the esophagus and put a person at higher risk for esophageal cancer, so it is important to deal with it early on.