Heartburn Care
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve that allows acid to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD can lead to short-term bothersome symptoms which can vary from mild to severe depending on the person.
Typical symptoms:
- Burning sensation in chest (heartburn)
- Regurgitation of flood or sour liquid (acid reflux)
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Atypical symptoms:
- Sensation of a lump in the throat (globus)
- Asthma
- Chronic dry cough
- Chronic sore throat
- Laryngitis and hoarseness
- Dental erosions
- Non-cardiac chest pain
Chronic GERD sufferers may benefit from incisionless procedures or laparoscopic surgery (like the TIF procedure) which rebuilds the body’s normal defense against reflux.
Treatment
Treatment for GERD varies according to the severity of the symptoms and the individual. The goals of any GERD treatment regimen are symptom control, prevention of GERD-related complications, healing of esophagitis and to help patients get back to a life free of GERD symptoms and discomfort. Examples of how GERD can be treated include:
Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications
Changes in a patient’s diet and lifestyle may help control mild or infrequent symptoms.
Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Medications
Some medicines, such as H2 blockers, antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and pro-motility drugs can provide symptom relief, but they do not treat the underlying anatomical problem or stop the disease from progressing. Evidence continues to mount on long-term use of PPIs, and dependency is now associated with negative impacts on the gastrointestinal system, bones, kidneys, heart, nutrient absorption and shortened lifespan.
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Conventional surgery has long been considered an effective solution to treating GERD; however, it can often cause negative side effects such as difficulty swallowing, bloating and increased flatulence. Chronic GERD sufferers may benefit from more minimally invasive procedures, such as the TIF procedure.