St.Vincent Salem Hospital Offers Relief for GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid, and sometimes bile, backs up into the esophagus. Over time, the backwash of acid can irritate and inflame the lining of the esophagus.

Many times GERD can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, patients who continue to suffer from persistent heartburn two or more times a week should be seen by a qualified medical professional. These medications can lose their effectiveness over time and they don’t treat the underlying root cause of reflux. In addition, recent studies on the adverse effects of long-term use of over-the-counter medications indicate a significantly higher incidence of hip fractures, particularly among women. Left untreated, heartburn can lead to serious medical conditions, including Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

One in four Americans suffer from an esophageal disorder. Are you at risk? Take the following quiz to find out:

1. Do you have a hard, burning sensation in the upper abdomen that can radiate into your chest and throat?
    
2. Are you taking an antacid pill but still feeling "heartburn" or do you have to add TUMS or Rolaids to your antacid pill for relief?
    
3. When you bend over to tie your shoes or pick something up, do you feel liquid coming up into your throat?
    
4. Do you have trouble swallowing thick foods (red meat, breads, etc.) where you feel they get stuck in your chest?
    
5. Have you been told that fluid from your stomach is sneaking into your lungs and causing recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis?
    
6. Have you been told by your doctor that you have a hiatal hernia (part of your stomach has moved up into your chest)?
    
7. Do you avoid eating certain foods or avoid eating late because you will have terrible heartburn?
    
8. Do you sleep on more than 2 pillows or prop up the head of your bed on blocks to keep fluid from coming up into your throat?
    
9. Have you ever been told that you have Barrett’s esophagus?
    

If you answered yes to either of the first two questions and ANY other question, you have severe disease and may be at high risk for complications of GERD (i.e. esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus).

St.Vincent Salem Hospital can help. Physicians Jeffery Morgan, MD and Jonathan Noel, MD have developed a team approach to treating GERD patients.