GERD

Overview

Over 15 million Americans suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or heartburn, a condition where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus due to a weak or overworked valve. This can cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, and sometimes lead to more severe conditions.

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing GERD. Excess weight puts pressure on your stomach, causing the acid to reflux into your esophagus. Losing weight might reduce or even eliminate your GERD symptoms.

Recommended Reading

Having GERD or frequent heartburn puts you at risk for several serious health issues. The most common complications include:

Esophagitis This occurs when the esophagus becomes inflamed due to continuous exposure to stomach acid, which can lead to pain and difficulty swallowing.

Barrett’s Esophagus Chronic GERD can result in a change in the cells lining the esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

Dental Problems GERD can cause dental erosion, as the acid refluxes reach the mouth and start dissolving tooth enamel.

Respiratory Problems Reflux of stomach acid can reach the airways, leading to conditions like laryngitis, chronic cough, and asthma.

Esophageal Strictures Scar tissue forms in the esophagus due to continuous acid exposure, leading to difficulty swallowing.

Based on your health, your doctor might suggest various treatment options, from lifestyle and diet modifications to prescription medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Our Services

At Lyons Primary Care Group, we provide personalized treatment plans for managing GERD. We consider your specific symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle to create an effective and sustainable plan.

Treatment

The selection of the right medication is pivotal in managing GERD. Our healthcare providers carefully assess your condition to prescribe the most effective options, including:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec)

Histamine-2 Blockers (Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet)

Antacids (Tums, Maalox)

Promotility Agents (Reglan)

We offer continuous monitoring and make adjustments whenever necessary to ensure the best outcomes and maintain the highest health standards.

Medications play a significant role in managing GERD, but some can cause side effects. It's advised always to consult a qualified healthcare provider who can prescribe the right medications for you.

Lyons Primary Care Group’s healthcare specialists have reviewed this content for educational purposes. It's not meant to replace your doctor's advice. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.