Acid Reflux

Dear Ask The Doctor: How do I know I have acid reflux? I get heartburn and pain when I swallow (only further down, not at the top of my throat) and I get bad headaches as well. This comes and goes.

Dear Holley: Acid reflux occurs when the acid content of the stomach enters the esophagus causing inflammation to the lining of the esopahgus. The symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation. Diagnosis of acid reflux is correct upto 70% if these symptoms are present. To confirm the diagnosis one would have to undergo an upper GI endoscopy.

I would advise you to make lifestyle modifications, weight loss, stop smoking and not lying down within four hours of a meal and see if it makes any difference to the symptoms. If the symptoms do not resolve you need to see your family physician.