GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, affects roughly 20 percent of people in the United States. It develops when the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that should keep stomach contents down, relaxes or weakens and allows acid to flow back up into the esophagus. The result is chronic heartburn and irritation that, left untreated, can damage the lining of the esophagus.
If you have heartburn more than twice a week or it does not respond to over-the-counter remedies, it is worth being evaluated. Our gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon see this every day, and most people get meaningful relief with the right plan.
Symptoms
- A burning feeling in the chest, often after meals or when lying down
- Chest discomfort and trouble swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- A sensation of a lump in the throat
- Disrupted sleep, sore throat, or wheezing and cough in more advanced cases
What raises your risk
Pregnancy, excess weight, smoking, late-night or oversized meals, alcohol and coffee, fatty or fried foods, and certain medications can all make reflux worse.
How we diagnose it
We start with your history and a physical exam. When symptoms are persistent or concerning, we recommend an upper endoscopy, a short procedure done under sedation that lets us look directly at the esophagus and stomach, check for inflammation or Barrett’s esophagus, and take biopsies if needed.
How we treat it
For most people, a combination of lifestyle changes and acid-reducing medication brings symptoms under control. When reflux is persistent, minimally invasive procedures can repair or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. We tailor the plan to your symptoms and follow up to make sure it is working.
When to see us
Frequent heartburn is common, but it is not something you have to live with, and ongoing acid reflux can raise the risk of esophageal damage and cancer over time. If heartburn is interrupting your life or your sleep, request an appointment and we will help you get ahead of it.