GERD

Up to 20% of Americans suffer from a form of chronic acid reflux called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, with offices in Wantagh and Malverne, New York, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, offer complete GERD care, including prescription medication, dietary guidance, and surgery. Call the nearest office today or book an appointment online to learn about treating GERD.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition characterized by frequent heartburn (acid reflux). It happens when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a small valve at the top of your stomach, weakens, allowing acid and food to flow back into your esophagus.

Everyone gets heartburn occasionally, but if yours occurs three or more nights a week, it could indicate a more severe underlying problem.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation (belching up food)
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Difficulty swallowing

You might also constantly feel like food is stuck in your throat. You can develop a sore throat, and hoarse voice as the condition worsens. 

When should I see a specialist about GERD?

Make an appointment with the providers at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island if you have heartburn three or more days each week. That’s especially true if it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments like eating less acidic foods, avoiding carbonation, and taking over-the-counter antacids.

How is GERD diagnosed?

To diagnose GERD, your Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. They need to know when the heartburn started, how often it happens, and if some foods or beverages make it worse.

Your provider then completes a physical exam and orders a diagnostic test called an upper endoscopy. During the upper endoscopy, your provider inserts an endoscope –– a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera mounted on its end –– down your esophagus.

The endoscope lets your provider see things like inflammation, infection, and abscesses. They can even collect a biopsy and make repairs.

How is GERD treated?

Treating GERD depends on various things, including how severe your symptoms are and their effect on your quality of life. The providers at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island typically recommend a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Several medicines are used to treat GERD, including:

• Antacids
• H2 receptor blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Baclofen (a drug that prevents your lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing)

Surgery might be necessary if healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication don’t stop your heartburn.

During GERD surgery, your gastroenterologist wraps the upper part of your stomach around the bottom of your esophagus. That helps support your lower esophageal sphincter, preventing food and acid from escaping.

Call the nearest Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island office today to receive treatment for GERD, or click the online booking feature.