Plano, TX, June 16, 2017 – Most people will experience the sting of heartburn at least once in their live. When the discomfort becomes chronic and begins to interfere with normal routines, the problem could be acid reflux. Although similar in the symptoms they produce, once of the two closely linked conditions has the potential to be much more serious.

“Heartburn is a relatively benign concern when attacks come very infrequently,” explains Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon of Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery. “It arises when stomach acids back flow up into the esophagus, generally sparked by food choice or other issues that make the stomach’s acid content especially high. Pregnancy may also cause the concern.”

While acid reflux involves frequent episodes of heartburn as its most noticeable symptom, the cause is a structural one. Addressing that structural concern is key for tackling the symptoms.

“When acid reflux is present, stomach acids routinely backflow into the esophagus due to a weakening of the sphincter muscle that controls stomach-to-esophagus flow,” says Dr. Nicholson. “Some people may find changing eating habits or using medications helps ease symptoms, others will find surgical intervention or other medical techniques necessary to stop acid reflux symptoms in their tracks.”

Acid reflux is considered much more serious than heartburn partly due to its chronic nature. As time passes, backflowing acid may cause damage to the delicate lining of the esophagus. This may lead to permanent scarring of the tissue and could promote the development of esophageal cancer.

“The best bet for people who suffer from heartburn that has become frequent is to get checked out by their health providers,” says Dr. Nicholson. “Limiting the consumption of spicy, acidic foods may help. Doctors may also recommend medications to control acid. Should problems continue, there are very simple techniques that reinforce the sphincter’s ability to do its job may solve the problem more permanently.”

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.