Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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The experienced specialists at Nuvance Health® can help you get to the bottom of what’s coming up. If you are experiencing frequent heartburn and acid reflux, it can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These issues occur when stomach acid travels backward from your stomach to your throat. 

Reflux is often due to eating foods that are high in acid. These include fried and processed foods as well as certain fruits and vegetables. But in some cases, it’s a sign of a more serious upper GI disease. 
 

What is Acid Reflux?

Your stomach contains acid that helps break down the food you eat so that you can absorb its nutrients. Reflux occurs when this acid flows backward washing up against the delicate tissue of the esophagus. 

Your esophagus is the tube connecting your mouth and throat. It has rings of muscle that are supposed to prevent reflux, but sometimes they don’t work as they should.
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What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. It is a burning sensation in your chest, throat or mouth. Symptoms usually worsen when lying down, bending over or taking a deep breath.
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What is GERD?

GERD is more severe. It occurs in people who regularly experience acid reflux. GERD causes irritation and damage to the esophagus lining. In some people, it leads to a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.
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GERD treatment options at Nuvance Health: Why choose us?

You receive services from digestive health doctors (gastroenterologists) specializing in heartburn and upper GI diseases. We detect and treat reflux and GERD in earlier stages, lowering the risk of complications. Highlights of our program include:

  • Skilled specialists
    Nuvance Health is home to experienced gastroenterologists who frequently care for patients with acid reflux and GERD. Many doctors completed additional training through fellowships enabling us to deliver specialized care that reflects your needs. Learn more about how we treat esophagus and upper GI disease. 
  • Thorough evaluation
    Gastroenterologists take time to get to know you as an individual and how reflux or GERD symptoms affect your life. We often diagnose the conditions based on this information alone. For more severe cases, you may need a special test (upper endoscopy) to assess damage to the esophagus. 
  • Nonsurgical therapies
    Many patients feel better with nonsurgical treatments. Care may include medications that help your stomach produce less acid. These drugs work differently than antacids giving you more chances for relief. You also have access to nutrition and lifestyle counseling making it easier to adopt habits that reduce reflux frequency and severity. 

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