Tired of Dealing With Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD Discomfort?
Are you tired of the discomfort Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD bring?
We understand the burning sensation is frustrating.
At IBI Healthcare Institute, we tailor treatment plans to help you find relief from these symptoms that affect your daily life. Our Advanced Heartburn Center focuses on diagnosing and treating heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.
Our experienced medical professionals, cutting-edge technology, innovative procedures, and caring support tackle the root causes that trigger gastric stomach indigestion.
15
Board Certified Surgeons
3,426
Total Transformations
6,176
Total Patients Served
13,140
Total Surgeries Performed
Difference Between Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD
When I Should Be Worried About the Heartburn?
Firstly, heartburn is the discomfort or pain caused by stomach acid moving into the tube that carries swallowed food to the stomach (esophagus). Secondly, it typically feels like a burning sensation in the chest and may extend to the upper abdomen. Lastly, heartburn usually occurs after eating or when lying down or bending over.
What Triggers Acid Reflux?
On the other hand, acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus. Moreover, when stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it can lead to heartburn, also known as acid indigestion.
How Would You Know If You Have GERD?
Consequently, acid reflux can progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more severe form of reflux. However, the most common symptom of GERD is experiencing frequent heartburn, typically two or more times a week. Moreover, other symptoms may include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, especially when lying down at night.
How Long Does A GERD Flare-Up Typically Last?
For minor cases of GERD, relief may come in less than a month. However, more moderate cases often necessitate 6 to 12 weeks of treatment. Although, in some instances, even with treatment. Furthermore, some patients do not experience significant improvement and may require surgery. Nevertheless, surgery can be preferred by some individuals over long-term medication.
Can GERD Resolve On Its Own?
If you’re an adult dealing with GERD, it typically won’t resolve spontaneously. However, there are effective treatments to help you manage it, such as over-the-counter medications like antacids, prescription medications including proton pump inhibitors, or surgical options, like the laparoscopic LINX procedure.
What Are The Triggers for Heartburn, Acid Reflux, And GERD?
Here’s a list of common triggers and foods to avoid:
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Snacking close to bedtime.
- Being an individual of heavier weight.
- Taking certain medications, like aspirin.
- Carbonated drinks such as soda or seltzer.
- Caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and tea.
- Consuming spicy, fatty, greasy, and fried foods.
- Consuming acidic items like citrus fruits and juices.
- Consuming heavy meals and reclining or bending over.
- Eating large meals or lying down immediately after eating.
- Foods with a tomato base like pizza, chili, pasta sauce, or salsa.
- Eating certain foods, including chocolate, mint, garlic, and onions.
- Avoiding these triggers can help manage and reduce the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.
Does Drinking Water Help Acid Reflux?
Yes, when dealing with acid reflux, which can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest, drinking water, low-fat milk, and herbal teas can be helpful. However, it’s essential to avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and sodas, as they may exacerbate the symptoms.
When Should I Be Worried and Visit The Doctor
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, particularly when accompanied by arm or jaw pain or difficulty breathing. It’s also advisable to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have heartburn more than twice a week or if your symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter medications.
4 Types of GERD - When Does It Become a Cause For Concern?
Stage 1: Mild GERD
Minimal acid reflux happens once or twice a month. Infrequent heartburn and regurgitation occur once a week or less. Stage 1 is where most people with GERD find themselves, marked by mild heartburn and/or regurgitation. Besides this, it often results in mild inflammation in the lower part of the esophagus.
Stage 2: Moderate GERD
In this stage, symptoms are frequent enough to require daily prescription acid reflux medication. Despite this, a person experiences regurgitation or heartburn several times a week. However, symptoms in stages 3 and 4 are similar. Additionally, it includes regurgitation of liquid or food.
Stage 3: Severe GERD
At this stage, individuals face regular heartburn symptoms and triggers. In brief, a persistent cough, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, and regurgitation of food. In fact approximately 15% of GERD sufferers reach this stage. Meanwhile, about 10% of them will progress to stage 4.
Stage 4: Advanced GERD
Lastly, when acid reflux goes untreated for a prolonged period. Stage 4 is the most serious, potentially leading to conditions like esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions. Equally important, it’s crucial to address GERD promptly to prevent it from advancing to this advanced stage.
Try our free online 5-Minutes Quiz to determine your Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD Stages.
GERD Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Nissen Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia Repair
The laparoscopic procedure is the most common surgery for GERD. It typically involves two vital repairs. Firstly, enhances the lower esophageal muscle’s function. Secondly, repairs the hiatal hernia. Suitable for chronic acid reflux patients of all ages unresponsive to non-invasive treatments. With a 95% success rate, most resume daily activities in 2-3 weeks.
LINX® Procedure (Reflux Management System)
The LINX® device, with its interlinked titanium beads and magnetic core, prevents stomach acid from reaching the esophagus while enabling food passage. A durable, minimally invasive procedure delivering great results: 88% heartburn relief, 99% regurgitation relief, and 85% medication-free. Recovery after LINX surgery lasts about 6 weeks.
Stretta® Endoscopic Antireflux Procedure
Stretta® is an effective non-invasive, endoscopic acid reflux treatment with a 70-80% success rate. Radiofrequency energy thickens the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing reflux and heartburn. Suitable option for patients who haven’t responded well to medication or can’t tolerate it, providing an alternative to invasive surgery or implants.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
TIF offers a minimally invasive solution for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Notably, this procedure is oral, eliminating the need for abdominal incisions. Above all, it’s a cost-effective, incision-free option, that doesn’t necessitate a hospital stay. Delivers excellent results, eliminating the need for acid reflux medications.
Endoscopic Sphincter Augmentation (ESA)
ESA procedures utilize minimally invasive techniques to fortify the esophageal sphincter and mend hiatal hernias. Additionally, it’s a same-day process with a 95% success rate. With fewer risks, faster recovery times, and minimal postoperative discomfort. It is performed through a few small incisions.
Cellvizio (Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy Procedure)
Cellvizio uses advanced technology, offering instant microscopic tissue images in a minimally invasive manner. Although, in over 40 countries and 550 clinics, it aids in detecting acid reflux-related cell changes before cancer develops, improving patient health for Barrett’s Esophagus and other esophageal and stomach diseases.
*Please note that acid reflux is a chronic problem. IBI Healthcare does not promise a cure and does not give any warranty as to the result of any treatment.
How Much Does GERD Treatment Cost?
Above all, IBI Healthcare Institute is a premier outpatient surgery center equipped with the cutting-edge technologies necessary to ensure optimal results. Unquestionably, during your consultation, our certified experts will discuss your medical history, run diagnostic tests, and learn about your health goals. Subsequently, based on the collected data, they will recommend the procedure that fits your individual needs and goals.
Emphatically, we curate the entire treatment plan, and we stay with you through every step of the procedure and beyond. Ensuring optimal results, recovery, and support after the procedure.
GERD Treatments Insurance Coverage
Surely, you can increase your chance of getting insurance coverage. For the same reason, if you can produce 6 to 12 months of documented diet history and consultations with nutritionists and psychiatrists.
Basically, specific insurance plans may cover the procedure if it’s deemed medically necessary. Nonetheless, IBI considers all your financing options and insurance coverage to help you access the treatment.
What Our Patients Are Saying?
Meet Our Heartburn, Acid Reflux, GERD Specialists
Ahad Khan
Hey, I’m Dr. Ahad Khan, a Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon with 23 years of experience. My focus extends to addressing Heartburn concerns through procedures such as pH Study, Impedance, and Manometry. Besides, I’ve had the privilege of aiding countless individuals in achieving relief. Moreover, it would be my honor to guide you toward a symptom-free life.
Jenny Huang
Hello, I’m Dr. Jenny Huang, a seasoned General and Bariatric Surgeon with 20 years of experience. To demonstrate, I specialized in Advanced Procedures for Acid Reflux, including Cellvizio, EsoGuard DNA Test, and Endoscopic Sphincter Augmentation (ESA). Nevertheless, you can trust my extensive experience to guide you through every aspect of your journey to relief from Acid Reflux.
A. Christopher Ibikunle
Hi, I’m Dr. A. Christopher Ibikunle. With 28 years of experience, I specialized in Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD. On the whole, treatments include Laparoscopic Fundoplication, Hiatal Hernia Repair, TIF, Stretta®, and LINX® Procedures. To illustrate, I’ve performed numerous diagnostic tests. Subsequently, recommended non-surgical and surgical options that can bring patients lasting relief.
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