Acid Reflux

Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists
Gastroenterology located in Aiea, HI & Honolulu, HI

Do you often feel a burning sensation in your chest or taste food in the back of your mouth? You may be experiencing acid reflux. Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists, with offices in Honolulu and Aiea, Hawaii, can help you find relief from your acid reflux symptoms and reduce your risk of developing more serious complications. Call today or schedule an appointment online to start treatment for acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Q & A


What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is when the acidic contents of your stomach flow up into your esophagus. It’s a common condition that affects more than 60 millions Americans each month.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

  • Burning in your chest after eating or when you’re trying to go to sleep
  • Sour or acidic taste in your mouth
  • Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat or chest
  • A chronic cough or laryngitis

It’s normal to experience these symptoms on occasion, but if the burning sensation occurs more than twice a week, you may have a chronic condition or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When Should I See a Doctor for Acid Reflux?

If you’re taking medication to help reduce heartburn more than twice a week, it’s time to make an appointment at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists. For chest pain, which is a common symptom of acid reflux, you should seek immediate medical attention to rule out a life-threatening medical condition such as a heart attack.

The healthcare experts at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists may be able to diagnose your acid reflux based on your symptoms. Additional testing may be necessary, such as an endoscopy to look at your esophagus or a Bravo pH monitoring test, which assesses acid levels in your esophagus.

How is Acid Reflux Managed?

Your doctor at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists may first recommend lifestyle changes to relieve the symptoms caused by acid reflux, which may include losing weight, eating slowly, and avoiding foods that trigger reflux.

Foods that trigger reflux include:

  • Coffee and chocolate
  • Fried foods
  • Tomato sauce and orange juice
  • Garlic and onions

In addition to diet changes, raising your head on additional pillows while you sleep at night may help prevent acid reflux while you’re sleeping. Wearing loose fitting clothing may also help.

What Medical Treatments are Available for Acid Reflux?

If lifestyle changes fail to keep your symptoms in check, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help reduce the acidity in your stomach.

Surgery to tighten the muscle that separates your stomach from the esophagus may also be recommended if medication can’t relieve your acid reflux.

For management of your acid reflux, call or schedule an appointment online with the experts at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists.

Contact Us

Our Locations

Office and Affiliated Endoscopy Center

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Aiea Clinic - Closed for lunch 11:30am-1pm

Monday - Friday:

7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday:

7:30 am - 11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed

Pacific Endoscopy Center

Monday - Friday:

6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Saturday:

By appointment only

Sunday:

Closed