Heartburn

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are overweight
• Are pregnant
• Eat large meals or lie down soon after eating
• Consume alcohol, caffeine or carbonated drinks
• Eat foods like chocolate, citrus, tomato, mint, onions, spicy or fried foods
• Take certain medications for asthma, blood pressure, allergies, depression, pain or sleep disorders
• Have a hiatal hernia

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or pain behind the breastbone (heartburn)
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Symptoms that worsen at night or when lying down
• Hoarseness or chronic cough (in severe cases)

If you experience frequent symptoms of GERD, your provider may recommend diagnostic testing to evaluate acid levels, muscle strength and valve function in your esophagus. These may include:

• Manometry measures how well the esophagus contracts and relaxes. A thin catheter is inserted through the nose and down into the stomach to record muscle pressure and movement.
• EGD with Bravo insertion involves a gastric endoscopy and places a small sensor in your esophagus to measure acidity levels for up to 96 hours. The capsule passes naturally through your system.
• EndoFlip used if surgery is being considered. While you’re under anesthesia, a small balloon catheter measures pressure inside the esophagus and stomach to help surgeons tailor the procedure to your body.

These tests help your care team understand what’s causing your symptoms and develop the most effective treatment plan for you.

Lifestyle changes are often the first step:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid trigger foods and drinks
• Wait 2–3 hours after eating before lying down
• Elevate the head of your bed 6–8 inches

Medications may also help: (Long-term use is not advised)

• Antacids (TUMS®)
• H2 blockers (Pepcid®)
• Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole)

Surgical options are available when other treatments don’t provide relief:

• Robotic Nissen/Toupet Fundoplication: Rebuilds the natural barrier between the stomach and esophagus by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the esophagus. The Nissen (full wrap) and Toupet (partial wrap) options are tailored to your anatomy, helping to prevent reflux and reduce swallowing discomfort after surgery. Most patients return to normal activity within two to four weeks and can discontinue acid-suppressing medications.
  • Results of Robotic Fundoplication
    • Studies show quality of life significantly improves after surgery.
    • GERD-related symptoms improve in most patients.
    • Most patients can stop taking acid-suppression medication.
    • More than 90% of patients report satisfaction with their results.
    • Most patients are discharged the morning after surgery and return to normal activity in two to four weeks.
    • Surgery is typically covered by insurance.
• Robotic LINX® System: Uses a flexible ring of magnetic beads placed around the lower esophagus to strengthen the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. The device opens during swallowing and closes to prevent reflux. Most patients experience immediate symptom relief and can stop taking medication within days.
  • Results of Robotic LINX System
    • 90 to 95 percent of patients are able to stop taking medication completely.
    • 5 to 10 percent rarely take medication.
• Robotic Gastric Bypass: Recommended when excess weight contributes to reflux or when other surgeries aren’t effective. This minimally invasive procedure separates the stomach into two smaller pouches to reduce acid exposure and promote weight loss, often resolving both reflux and related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea.

Many of the same lifestyle changes that help treat GERD can also help prevent it from returning. Small, consistent adjustments to your daily habits can make a big difference in reducing symptoms and improving long-term digestive health.

To help prevent or reduce symptoms:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put pressure on your stomach and increase reflux. Even a small amount of weight loss can ease symptoms.
• Avoid large or late-night meals. Eat smaller portions and finish meals at least two to three hours before lying down or going to bed.
• Limit caffeine, alcohol and spicy or acidic foods. Common triggers such as coffee, soda, tomato products and fried foods can worsen reflux in some people.
• Quit smoking. Nicotine can weaken the valve between your esophagus and stomach, allowing acid to flow back upward.
• Take medications only as directed by your provider. Certain medications can increase reflux symptoms if not used correctly, so follow your provider’s instructions and talk with them before making any changes.