What is Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

Gastro Esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic disease that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD.

Get the answers to your acid reflux surgery questions here.

GERD Symptoms

The main GERD symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat or like you are choking or your throat is tight. GERD Symptoms can also include a dry cough and bad breath.

The most frequent symptoms of GERD are so common that they may not be associated with a disease. Self-diagnosis of GERD symptoms can lead to mistreatment. Consultation with a physician is essential to proper diagnosis and treatment of GERD.

GERD Causes

• Hiatal hernia- hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest.

• Alcohol use

• Overweight

• Pregnancy

• Smoking

Contact us to learn more about GERD treatment options.

GERD Diagnoses

• Medical history

• Response to Omeprazole
  A recent study 12 demonstrated a potential role for a proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole, in the diagnosis of GERD.

• Barium swallow radiograph
  Uses x rays to help spot abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia and severe inflammation of the esophagus

• Endoscopy

GERD Treatment

Conservative GERD treatment

Life style modification
Medications including antacids, Foaming agents, H2 receptor blockers, Proton Pump inhibitors

GERD Surgery (Acid Reflux Surgery)

GERD / acid reflux surgery is an option when medicine and lifestyle changes do not work. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort. Our experienced bariatric surgeons can help you decide which surgical option is right for you.

Click the following GERD surgical treatment options for more information:

EsophyX Endoluminal Fundoplication
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Bravo pH Probe