Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

[Ravi Mani]

Bay Area Gastroenterology: STOMACH – ACID REFLUX/GERD

Bay Area Gastroenterology offers a comprehensive array of services to
aid in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of your
gastrointestinal health. One of the most common ailments is acid
reflux or GERD.

Acid reflux affects most people at one time or another throughout
their lives. Mild reflux that occurs infrequently is typically
harmless. However, if left untreated the heartburn can lead to
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and in chronic cases the
damage to the esophagus can increase the risk of developing esophageal
cancer.
Acid Reflux Symptoms:

* Asthma (gastric juices rise into the throat, mouth, and air
passages of the lungs)
* Chest burn (the result of heartburn)
* Dental erosion
* Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
* Hoarseness
* Regurgitation (food brought back into the mouth)

Acid Reflux: How it Works

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not
function properly. As a result, acid is able to seep upwards from the
stomach to the esophagus and mouth. Some common causes of acid reflux
include pregnancy, large meals/spicy foods/caffeine, frequent bending
forward, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcers, smoking, and alcohol
consumption.
Acid Reflux Treatment:

* Diet (Foods to Avoid): Alcohol, black pepper, chili and chili
powder, citrus fruit, coffee, garlic, spicy food, tea, tomatoes and
tomato products, and vinegar.
* Acid Suppressants (histamines)
* Propton Pump Inhibitors
* Prokinetic Agents
* Antacids (for mild reflux symptoms)
* Sleeping habit: raising the pillow to a 45 degree angle and
sleeping only on back

Halo Procedure for Pre-Cancerous Barrett’s Esophagus:

If the aforementioned treatments do not alleviate the symptoms,
patients may be evaluated for the HALO procedure. Performed by the
specialists at Bay Area Gastroenterology Clinic, the HALO ablation
technology is designed to remove the Barrett's epithelium in a short,
well-tolerated endoscopic procedure. Two balloon-based HALO360+
devices are available for treating larger areas of circumferential
Barrett's esophagus, while the HALO90 is a focal ablation device used
to treat smaller areas.

If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, it is imperative that
you seek immediate medical attention. Acid reflux can lead to lifelong
heartburn, damage to the esophageal lining, and esophageal cancer
later in life.

To schedule an appointment with Bay Area Gastroenterology Clinic,
please call 281-480-6264.