Bay Area Gastroenterology: STOMACH – ACID REFLUX/GERD

Bay Area Gastroenterology offers a comprehensive array of services to aid in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of your gastrointestinal health. One of the most common ailments is acid reflux or GERD.

Acid reflux affects most people at one time or another throughout their lives. Mild reflux that occurs infrequently is typically harmless. However, if left untreated the heartburn can lead to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and in chronic cases the damage to the esophagus can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Acid Reflux Symptoms:

• Asthma (gastric juices rise into the throat, mouth, and air passages of the lungs)
• Chest burn (the result of heartburn)
• Dental erosion
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Hoarseness
• Regurgitation (food brought back into the mouth)

Acid Reflux: How it Works

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not function properly. As a result, acid is able to seep upwards from the stomach to the esophagus and mouth. Some common causes of acid reflux include pregnancy, large meals/spicy foods/caffeine, frequent bending forward, hiatal hernia, peptic ulcers, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Acid Reflux Treatment:

• Diet (Foods to Avoid): Alcohol, black pepper, chili and chili powder, citrus fruit, coffee, garlic, spicy food, tea, tomatoes and tomato products, and vinegar.
• Acid Suppressants (histamines)
• Propton Pump Inhibitors
• Prokinetic Agents
• Antacids (for mild reflux symptoms)
• Sleeping habit: raising the pillow to a 45 degree angle and sleeping only on back

Halo Procedure for Pre-Cancerous Barrett’s Esophagus:

If the aforementioned treatments do not alleviate the symptoms, patients may be evaluated for the HALO procedure. Performed by the specialists at Bay Area Gastroenterology Clinic, the HALO ablation technology is designed to remove the Barrett's epithelium in a short, well-tolerated endoscopic procedure. Two balloon-based HALO360+ devices are available for treating larger areas of circumferential Barrett's esophagus, while the HALO90 is a focal ablation device used to treat smaller areas.

If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. Acid reflux can lead to lifelong heartburn, damage to the esophageal lining, and esophageal cancer later in life.

To schedule an appointment with the gastrointestinal health specialists at Bay Area Gastroenterology Clinic, please call 281-480-6264.

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