Reflux

Your heartburn may be a result of GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition of frequent episodes of stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus.

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition of frequent episodes of stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus. Heartburn is a classic symptom but there are many others including hoarseness, chronic cough, and difficulty swallowing.

GERD is very common in the United States with some estimates as high as 30%. Nearly two thirds of Americans experience some form of reflux occasionally.

GERD is a complex process but is ultimately a disorder of a failing gastroesophageal junction. The tissue of the gastroesophageal junction becomes stretched and thinned until it is no longer able to hold back the pressure created by the muscular stomach.

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition of frequent episodes of stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus. Heartburn is a classic symptom but there are many others including hoarseness, chronic cough, and difficulty swallowing.

The biggest risk factor is likely obesity. Age, smoking, and diet may also contribute. However, many patients have GERD without any of these risk factors.

Many great foods are known to cause reflux! Tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, spices, and alcohol are all common instigators.

There are many options available for treatment including lifestyle changes, medications, endoscopic procedures, and laparoscopic robotic operations. Many of these options did not exist even ten years ago, so it is important to discuss them regularly with a specialist.

Lifestyle changes can help to reduce symptoms in many patients. These include decreasing meal size and eating earlier in the day. Patients also have some success sleeping in a more upright position. However, in many cases, these lifestyle measures aren’t enough even in combination with medications. These patients should at least consider surgical options including endoscopic and/or laparoscopic robotic procedures.

Every medication has side effects, including those that control stomach acid. Your physician can discuss these with you in detail during an office visit. Furthermore, a lifetime of anti-GERD medications can be quite expensive. Some insurance companies are resistant to paying for the medication that may be most effective for you.

We offer the full array of anti-reflux procedures including the transoral incisionless fundoplication, robotic hiatal hernia repair, and a traditional Nissen procedure. We would be happy to discuss all of your options in detail during your office visit.