GERD: When Heartburn Turns Chronic
What Is GERD?
Nearly one in five American adults experiences gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Unlike occasional heartburn, GERD is a chronic condition that happens when the valve between the esophagus and stomach weakens, allowing stomach acid and food to flow back up. This backflow irritates the esophagus, causing uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms.
If untreated, GERD can become a lifelong condition and even lead to complications like esophageal ulcers, strictures (narrowing), or precancerous changes known as Barrett’s esophagus, which raises the risk of esophageal cancer.
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GERD Symptoms and Causes
It’s important to understand that GERD is about more than stomach acid. The condition is usually the result of an anatomical issue—a weak valve at the base of the esophagus. Acid-suppressing medications may provide temporary relief, but they do not stop reflux or prevent long-term damage. Even when symptoms seem controlled, complications can still develop without proper treatment.
Symptoms may include:
- Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Lump-in-the-throat sensation
- Chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
- Shortness of breath or asthma
- Nighttime reflux that disrupts sleep
- Dental erosion or non-cardiac chest pain
If you’re relying on antacids or reflux medications more than twice a week, it’s time to talk to a specialist.
Treatment Options
Relief from GERD is possible—and our team is here to help you find the option that works best for you. Your care plan may include:
- Simple lifestyle and diet changes to avoid common reflux triggers.
- Medications to provide short-term relief when symptoms flare.
- Minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic fundoplication or the LINX® device, which strengthen the valve that normally keeps stomach contents from flowing back up.
- Endoscopic treatments for certain patients that can be done without major surgery.
Our goal is to do more than just ease heartburn. We want to stop reflux at its source and protect your esophagus from long-term damage, so you can get back to feeling, and living, better.
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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.