Lung and Thoracic
Main Line Health experts use the latest technology to diagnose and treat all types of conditions affecting the chest, lungs and esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Find relief from burning gastroesophageal reflux pain
Your stomach uses gastric acids to help break down and digest the foods that you eat. A small muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter at the bottom of your esophagus (the tube that leads from your mouth to your stomach) opens and shuts your esophagus. It opens to let food in, then closes to keep stomach acid from getting into your esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes for too long and lets acid flow up into your esophagus. The acid can cause painful heartburn that feels like burning in your chest or neck. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease often experience heartburn multiple times per week.
Who is at risk?
GERD is typically seen in adults who:
- Are obese
- Have a hiatal hernia
- Are pregnant
- Smoke tobacco
- Drink alcohol or lots of caffeine
Diagnosis and testing
The most common way of diagnosing GERD is through an upper endoscopy, which uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to view your esophagus and stomach and take a biopsy if needed. The endoscopy can detect inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or other complications. Other diagnostic methods can include:
- pH probe test is a monitor is placed in your esophagus to identify when, and how much, stomach acid regurgitates there
- Barium esophageal test allows your doctor to see a silhouette of your esophagus and stomach
GERD treatments
For minor cases, GERD treatment can be as simple as making dietary adjustments, but more severe situations may require medication and/or endoscopic or surgical fundoplication.
How is gastroesophageal reflux disease treated?
In many cases, gastroesophageal reflux disease can be controlled by changing what you eat and making other positive lifestyle choices. By avoiding the foods, drinks and activities that cause gastroesophageal reflux disease, you can often stop experiencing heartburn.
You can also take steps to keep acid in your stomach by waiting to lie down or sleep until at least a few hours after eating. Or try raising the head of your bed to help acid flow downward.
Medicines like antacids and protein pump-inhibitors, which are available over-the-counter, can help stop heartburn. Other prescription medications can help food empty from your stomach faster, reducing your chance of heartburn.
In some cases, surgery may be a good option to strengthen the area around your lower esophageal sphincter. During a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, a surgeon uses tiny incisions to take the upper part of your stomach (the fundus) and wrap it around your lower esophagus, making your sphincter stronger.
Another surgical procedure, called a transoral incisionless fundoplication, does not use any incisions. Instead, a specialized device is lowered through your throat to your sphincter. Your doctor then tightens the sphincter, helping to reduce your reflux.
Treatments
Thoracic Surgery
The thoracic surgeons at Main Line Health offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for every type of thoracic condition, including lung and esophageal cancer.
Gastroenterology
Main Line Health gastroenterology works to resolve digestive issues and GI conditions. Find the right solution for your digestive conditions at one of our Philadelphia locations.