Stop Living with Chronic GERD Symptoms
in Denver

Have you been diagnosed with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and are unable to find relief from uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation and chronic cough? If so, you are not alone. It is estimated that one in every five Americans suffers from GERD. At South Denver GI, we offer personalized, non-surgical treatment options to help GERD patients improve their quality of life.

What is GERD?

GERD occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. Over time, this can lead to irritation of the lining of the esophagus. GERD can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, upper chest or abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, ongoing cough, inflammation of the vocal cords and more.

What Causes GERD?

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus relaxes to let food and drink into the stomach. Then the sphincter closes. If this sphincter does not relax as it should, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing inflammation. There are certain factors that can aggravate acid reflux such as eating large meals or eating late at night, smoking, eating fatty or fried foods, taking certain medication or drinking alcohol or coffee.

GERD Treatment Options

If you are diagnosed with GERD, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms. If you do not experience any relief within a few weeks, prescription medication and additional diagnostic procedures may then be recommended.

The most common diagnostic procedure is performed with an upper endoscopy or EGD. This test involves an endoscope, or a lighted camera on the end of a tube which is passed into the throat to allow the doctor to visualize your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

It is important that you seek professional diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with GERD. Left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious complications over time such as esophagitis, esophageal stricture, Barrett’s esophagus and more.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Antacids that contain calcium carbonate such as Tums may provide fast relief. However, antacids alone are not enough to heal an inflamed esophagus. Medications to reduce acid production such as Pepcid AC do not work as quickly as antacids but provide longer relief and may decrease acid production for up to 12 hours. Medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus, called proton pump inhibitors, allow time for damaged tissue to heal. These include Prilosec OTC and Nexium 24 HR.

Prescription Medications

If over-the-counter medications are not found to be effective, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers are often safe, well-tolerated and effective in GERD patients.

When is Surgery Needed?

If you have tried both over-the-counter and prescription-strength medications with no relief, surgery may be necessary. However, there are some risks involved with GERD surgery, including problems swallowing if the stomach wraps around the esophagus too tightly, chronic gas/ blot syndrome and more.  The surgery may become undone over time with a return of GERD symptoms and risk for esophageal injury. It’s also important to note that surgical procedures do not decrease the risk for esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s esophagus. At South Denver GI, our providers recommend patients consider medical management of GERD first, before complicated surgical options.

If you are tired of living with GERD symptoms and are seeking treatment, contact South Denver GI in Denver today!