When this occurs, stomach contents, including acid, flow into the esophagus, resulting in an unpleasant sensation—what many people call heartburn or reflux. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus does not have a protective lining; when exposed to acid, it can become inflamed and painful.
Specific triggers and drinking habits are commonly known triggers for GERD. Your symptoms may be affected by a variety of contributing factors, including:
- Alcohol
- Being overweight
- Consuming certain foods, such as citrus, chocolate, fatty foods, or spicy foods
- Caffeine
- Overeating
- Smoking
Acid reflux should not be dismissed as "just a little heartburn." Untreated GERD can worsen over time, causing inflammation of the esophagus lining, a narrowing of the esophagus, or bleeding. It can also lead to esophageal cancer.
The Heartburn Treatment Center at Knox Community Hospital offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatment options to those with GERD symptoms.
Our multidisciplinary physician team and nurse coordinator utilize a cohesive approach to provide education, diagnosis, and treatment for the symptoms and conditions of GERD.
One-on-one consultations with our specially trained nurse coordinator are available for free, and we also offer the following:
- State-of-the-art diagnostic testing and therapies
- Personalized treatment options
- A patient education program lifestyle and medication recommendations
- Toupet Fundoplication
We want to work with you and your primary care provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses your diagnosis and personal aspirations for relief.
Our General Surgery team reviews options for medically managing symptoms and minimally invasive surgical treatment. Our nurse navigator will support and assist you through the process. Our team will schedule diagnostic testing, and based on the results, a personal treatment plan will be determined.
What We Treat
- Acid reflux
- Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM)
- Hiatal hernia
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Esophageal cancer (surgical treatment)
| DIAGNOSTIC TESTING | TREATMENTS |
|---|---|
| GERD-HRQL | Lifestyle and diet modifications |
| EGD (upper endoscopy) | Medical management, including acid suppression and motility enhancement |
| Esophageal manometry (motility testing) | Balloon dilatation, or opening up narrowed esophagus |
| Bravo ambulatory pH recording | Nissan/Toupet Fundoplication, or "wrap" surgery (performed laparoscopically) |
| Radiological imaging studies | Hiatal hernia repair |
| Biopsy |