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Gerd

Overview Colonoscopy & Endoscopy Digestive Care GERD Understanding Colonoscopy Screenings

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD signs and symptoms. In some cases, GERD is caused by a hiatal hernia.

Signs and symptoms of GERD include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Heartburn

In many cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes. Foods and drinks like chocolate, fried or fatty foods, coffee and alcoholic beverages can cause or worsen GERD symptoms, as can cigarette smoking. Even with lifestyle adjustments, some patients may still require medication or surgery to find relief. When lifestyle and dietary changes are unsuccessful, a more detailed diagnostic evaluation must be performed. If left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications, including cancer of the esophagus.



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Why choose CMC?

Our physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and support staff work directly with you, collaborating with primary care physicians and other medical specialists, to address health issues of the digestive system.


Treatment Options: Heartburn & Acid Reflux

General Surgeon, Andrew S. Wu, MD explains reflux disease and treatment options. 

Reflux: The Solution

The LINX® System is a small implant comprised of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads augments the existing esophageal sphincter’s barrier function to prevent reflux. The device is implanted with a standard minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. 

Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

General Surgeon, Andrew S. Wu, MD explains the symptoms of acid reflux disease. 

Diagnostic Tests

Physicians may order a series of diagnostic tests for patients whose GERD cannot be controlled through lifestyle adjustments. These tests include upper GI x-ray that shows the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). This test is used to rule out other diagnoses. Endoscopy is another method used to examine the esophagus. In endoscopy, a small lighted camera is inserted into the esophagus to look for inflammation or irritation of the tissue. A biopsy is also often performed during endoscopy.

Interventional & Surgical Treatments

When all other treatments fail, a small number of patients may need surgery (fundoplication) to treat their severe reflux. Fundoplication is a surgical procedure used for hiatal hernias which can alleviate GERD symptoms.

Lifestyle Adjustments And Medications

The first step in treating GERD is to avoid foods and beverages that cause or worsen symptoms. Avoiding foods like chocolate, fried foods, coffee, and alcoholic drinks can help prevent GERD, and staying away from acidic foods like citrus and tomato can help heal a damaged esophageal lining. Physicians also recommend not eating within two hours of bedtime, elevating the pillow on your bed to help keep acid flowing down to the stomach, and quitting smoking. If lifestyle adjustments fail to work, doctors can recommend both over the counter and prescription medications to reduce stomach acid.

Telehealth Visits

We make it easy—and safe—to get care by offering telehealth visits for both established and new patients. A wide variety of gastrointestinal issues can be addressed through a telehealth visit. 

  • Existing patients: Telehealth visits are available for follow-up care
  • Patients who currently have an appointment scheduled: We will be reaching out to you soon to determine if a telehealth visit is appropriate
  • New patients: We continue to accept new patients

Learn more or call 603.625.5744