Plano, TX, Feb , 2016 – While occasional heartburn is no reason for concern, recurring attacks that give rise to a host of other pesky symptoms may signal a need for medical intervention. Acid reflux is a very common condition, but it can lead to bigger concerns down the road.

“It is believed that a whopping 35 percent of all Americans deal with the symptoms of acid reflux in their regular routines,” says Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon of Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery. “Occasional attacks can often be treated with over-the-counter medicines, but repeat encounters will very likely require more aggressive measures to prevent permanent damage to the esophagus and other potential complications.”

Acid reflux is a highly treatable condition that is characterized by “heartburn” that is frequent. This condition arises when the stomach’s contents are able to flow back into the esophagus. Over time, the stomach’s acids can cause damage to the esophagus itself and may even lead to cellular changes that could develop into cancer.

Since the potential pitfalls of unchecked acid reflux are so serious, it’s important for everyone to know the signs of acid reflux. Aside from that heartburn, they include:

• Burning or pain in the chest
• An unexplained hoarseness in the throat
• Regurgitation of food
• Wheezing or coughing that isn’t associated with a cold
• A metallic or bad taste in the mouth

There are a number of treatments that can help those with acid reflux combat the condition. They include those over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, dietary changes, tobacco use cessation and surgical procedures. A relatively new surgery that is producing great results for many involves the placement of a band of beads in the stomach to close off the sphincter muscle, disabling the ability for contents to flow backwards.

“People who suffer from acid reflux do not have to go it alone,” says Dr. Nicholson. “Doctors have a number of options that can help alleviate and even eliminate symptoms in many cases.”

About Abdominal Surgery Specialists
Founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the country’s leading weight loss surgeons and co-author of “Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny,” Abdominal Surgery Specialists provides patients with a variety of options to treat conditions including gallbladders, hernias, reflux and obesity.