Heartburn & Reflux

Heartburn & Reflux

Logo for Minnesota Reflux & Heartburn Center featuring a stylized stomach and heart design.
Man Suffering Heartburn

When Digestive Symptoms Disrupt Your Life

If you often feel a burning sensation in your chest, nausea after eating, or fullness after only a few bites, you may wonder if something more serious is going on. Occasional stomach discomfort is normal, but when symptoms happen regularly, they could signal an underlying digestive condition that requires medical care.

Consider seeking care if you experience:

  • Heartburn or reflux more than twice a week
  • Ongoing nausea or bloating
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss and early fullness
Request a Consult

What to Expect

Care is centered on you. Our team works together to provide timely appointments, clear communication, and a dedicated expert to guide your treatment.

Initial Evaluation

When you first meet with our gastroenterology team, we’ll take time to listen to your concerns and understand what you’ve been experiencing.

  • We’ll review your symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, or difficulty swallowing.
  • Your provider will also go over your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle habits that could be affecting digestion.
  • Together, we’ll determine whether simple changes could help right away or if diagnostic testing is the next step.

Diagnostic Testing

We use advanced diagnostic tools to understand the cause of reflux and related symptoms. These tests help us see how well your esophagus and stomach are working and guide the most effective treatment plan.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
During an endoscopy, the doctor uses a special microscope to see tissue up close, helping spot early changes that could lead to more serious issues.

Optical Biopsy
Uses a high-powered fiber optic microscope during upper endoscopy to view tissue at the cellular level, helping detect precancerous changes.

Tissue Biopsy
While doing an endoscopy, the doctor may take a very small sample of tissue from the esophagus. This is checked under a microscope for signs of irritation, inflammation, or precancerous changes. Can be used to confirm whether reflux has caused long-term damage.

Bravo® pH Monitoring
A tiny capsule is placed on the lining of your esophagus. It measures acid levels for up to 48 hours and sends the results wirelessly to a recorder you wear. It helps to understand how often acid reflux happens and how severe it is. Learn about Bravo® pH Monitoring

Manometry
A thin tube is passed into the esophagus to measure how well the muscles work when you swallow. This test is often done along with pH monitoring.

Impedence pH Testing
A 24-hour test that uses a small tube in your esophagus to check for both acid and non-acid reflux, often done if symptoms don’t improve with medicine.

Oral-Pharyngeal Acid Monitoring
A test that checks if reflux is affecting your throat, voice, or sinuses, often recommended for chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness.

Barium Swallow (Esophagram)
You drink a special liquid that shows up on X-rays so the doctor can see how food and liquid move through your esophagus and check for narrowing, blockages, or muscle problems.

Non-Surgical Solutions

For most patients, relief often begins with small, manageable changes without the need for surgery.

Lifestyle Coaching
We’ll help you spot reflux triggers and make small changes such as adjusting meal size, timing, and sleep habits that can bring real relief.

Medications
Several types of medicine can help control symptoms:

  • Antacids provide quick, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

  • H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid and allow the esophagus to heal.

  • Prokinetics may be prescribed if stomach emptying is slow.

Nutrition Guidance
Our team can provide dietary recommendations to reduce reflux, including avoiding high-fat, spicy, or acidic foods. We’ll work with you to build a diet plan that helps you enjoy eating again without fear of discomfort.

Ongoing Monitoring
Even if symptoms improve, regular check-ins are important. We’ll track your progress, adjust medications if needed, and make sure your esophagus stays healthy.

Surgical Solutions

If symptoms don’t improve with medication or lifestyle changes, the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center at CRMC offers access to the most advanced reflux treatments close to home.

  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: Surgical techniques that repair or strengthen the barrier between your stomach and esophagus.
  • Individualized Care Plans: You and your provider will review whether surgery or other advanced treatments are right for you.
  • Ongoing Support: Even after treatment, we’ll continue to monitor your recovery and help prevent recurrence.

Conditions We Treat

Our specialists care for a full range of conditions that affect the stomach and esophagus. The two most common are listed below.

 

GERD

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic form of acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week and can lead to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, cough, or trouble swallowing.

About GERD

Gastroparesis

A condition where the stomach empties too slowly, leading to nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, or early fullness after just a few bites.

About Gastroparesis

Meet the Team

The Minnesota Reflux & Heartburn Center at CRMC is led by an experienced team of surgeons, gastroenterologists, and nurse specialists dedicated to advanced treatment of reflux and esophageal disorders.

Request a Consult

You may be able to schedule a consult on your own, but some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care provider. Before requesting an appointment, please check with your insurance company to see if you need a referral.

Have questions or ready to schedule? Give us a call at 218-545-5382.