Acid Reflux Relief
If you have heartburn or acid reflux twice a week or more, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is caused when the valve between the esophagus and stomach doesn’t work properly and allows stomach contents to “reflux” back into the esophagus.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, but you may also experience:
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Frequent swallowing
- Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Sleep disruption (unable to sleep lying down)
- Bloating
- Excessive clearing of the throat
- Persistent cough
- Burning in the mouth or throat
- Intolerance of certain foods
- Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation
Treatment Options
Treatment for GERD varies according to the severity of the symptoms and the individual. The goals are symptom control, prevention of GERD-related complications, healing of esophagitis and helping patients get back to a life free from discomfort. Here are some examples of how GERD can be treated:
- Dietary and lifestyle changes may help relieve mild GERD or reflux symptoms for infrequent sufferers
- Over-the-counter and prescribed medications can provide relief. However, they do not treat the underlying causes and can lose their effectiveness over time.
- Moderate to severe acid reflux may be addressed through minimally invasive surgical solutions offered at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. These procedures aim to recreate the natural valve that stops fluids from the stomach refluxing back to the esophagus. Depending on the specific cause of your chronic acid reflux, you may benefit from laparoscopic repair using traditional or robotic techniques.
Talk to your provider today and take the first steps to relief from GERD.