Beyond Heartburn: What’s GERD?
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is chronic acid reflux caused by a weakened lower esophageal valve, leading to persistent irritation that often requires more than lifestyle changes or over-the-counter antacids.
- Frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away, or symptoms that continue despite medication warrant medical evaluation for possible GERD.
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can reinforce the weakened valve when medications and lifestyle changes don’t work, with many patients returning home the next day.
After eating, have you ever noticed a burning sensation in your chest or an acidic taste creeping into your mouth? This is a signal you’re maybe experiencing heartburn. It’s a common condition, and for many people, it can typically be managed with a few simple lifestyle changes, including:
- Staying upright for at least three hours after eating.
- Avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms, like spicy, fatty, or citrus foods.
- Using an over-the-counter antacid to help provide relief.
But if your symptoms are becoming more than occasional heartburn, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Talk with your doctor if you:
- Have started losing weight because eating has become uncomfortable.
- Experience constant nausea or vomiting.
- Have difficulty swallowing.
- Continue having symptoms even when taking medicine.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a condition that often requires a different treatment approach. GERD is often caused by a weakened lower muscular valve that normally keeps what’s inside the stomach from reentering the esophagus. Over time, this can cause ongoing irritation.
At Jackson Health System’s Digestive Center of Health, our multidisciplinary team, which includes gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and support staff, works together to diagnose and treat the full range of digestive disorders, including GERD.
When lifestyle changes and medications are no longer enough to reduce acid production, relieve symptoms, or maintain your quality of life, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery may be an option.
During the operation, the surgeon wraps the upper portion of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus to reinforce the weakened valve, which restores the body’s natural barrier against acid reflux. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and, in many cases, can be completed in about 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients return home the next day and back to work within just a few days.
Recognizing the signs early and exploring your treatment options can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and work together to find the treatment plan that’s right for you. To learn more about Jackson’s services, visit https://jacksonhealth.org/services/heartburn-surgery/.