If symptoms persist, you can ask your doctor about over-the-counter medications including antacids to neutralize stomach and/or other non-prescription medicines to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Simply making lifestyle and diet changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, reduced alcohol consumption, and altering eating and sleeping patterns may help. GERD is generally treated in three progressive steps. What are the treatment options for heartburn? It involves either placement of a small catheter through the nose into the esophagus or use of a small capsule directly attached to the esophagus during endoscopy known as the Bravo™ pH Monitoring System. Esophageal pH monitoring is done to detect stomach acid in the esophagus and the severity of reflux disease. During the procedure a very thin lighted tube, an endoscope, is inserted into the esophagus enabling the doctor to closely examine it. As part of the work-up, the GI may perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and an esophageal pH monitoring test.Īn endoscopy is generally an outpatient procedure, usually with light sedation. If your primary care physician suspects reflux they may refer you to a gastroenterologist (or GI) for diagnosis. A hiatal hernia, in which the top part of the stomach bulges above the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, may also contribute to GERD. Other things that can cause the LES to relax and result in reflux are diet, medications, smoking, drinking alcohol, or changes in body position (bending over or lying down). Some people are born with a naturally weak LES. Left untreated, chronic reflux can lead to severe esophageal damage including Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. When the LES isn’t functioning properly, highly acidic fluids flow back up into the esophagus, irritating and inflaming it, causing heartburn and other symptoms such as vomiting or regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and chronic coughing or wheezing. Normally, the LES closes immediately after swallowing to prevent back-up of stomach fluids.
At the lower end of the esophagus is a small ring of muscle, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that acts like a one-way trap door that allows food to pass into your stomach. When you eat, food travels from your mouth, down the esophagus and into to your stomach.
If you have chronic GERD that is not relieved by lifestyle changes or medicines, surgery may be an option. GERD not only interferes with quality of life, it can lead to serious illness. Frequent, persistent heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
If you’re one of the estimated 17–27%* of adults who experience heartburn at least once a month, you know the signs: a harsh, burning feeling in your chest usually after eating a large meal, spicy food, or when you’re lying down.
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