Getting a grip on GERD this holiday season
The holiday season is here. And with it arrives feasts of families’ favorite foods. It’s also the season for leftovers becoming creative culinary concoctions, followed by the turkey-induced nap. But if you notice heartburn after a big meal or midnight snack, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
What is GERD?
“GERD is basically what we call reflux,” Dr. James Parker, general surgeon at Kettering Health Hamilton, says. “It’s where the stomach loses its ability to keep stomach acid within the stomach itself.”
People who often have heartburn after a meal or at night while lying in bed might not realize they’re dealing with a common chronic disease. “If you’re having heartburn symptoms, Dr. Parker says, “that is GERD.”
They might take an overthe-counter antacid and continue with their day. But Dr. Parker explains heartburn should not be overlooked.
Dr. Parker shares that along with heartburn and general discomfort, people with GERD commonly have a hiatal hernia, where the stomach is
pulled into the chest. Without medical intervention, GERD can also lead to stomach ulcers and esophageal cancer in extreme cases.
What are the treatment options?
Dr. Parker explains that even though some people might not feel it’s a problem, anyone who experiences heartburn regularly should see a doctor.
“The disease typically progresses if uncontrolled or if habits haven’t changed,” he says.
Although over-the-counter medicines might help temporarily, a doctor can prescribe medicine for more long-term relief.
“They’ll start out with a daily acid blocker,” Dr. Parker says. “Once it gets worse, they’ll do it twice a day, sometimes they’ll go to stronger medication.
If a patient’s GERD symptoms aren’t controlled with medicine, or if they’re at the point where they need to take medicine multiple times a day, they may be a candidate for surgery involving Linx treatment. Linx is a magnetic band of beads surgically placed around the esophagus to help reduce symptoms of GERD.
“It (Linx) opens up every time you swallow, Dr. Parker says, “but it stays closed with enough pressure to keep acid in the stomach.”
Dr. Parker performs this minor outpatient procedure which, he shares, can be easily reversed if needed.
GERD is uncomfortable, and it’s more than an annoyance. Serious complications can follow if it’s left untreated. With treatments ranging from medication to minor procedures, Dr. Parker encourages those with regular heartburn to see their primary care doctor.
“It’s not something that people have to live with,” he says.
A primary care doctor can go over treatment options. To schedule an appointment or find a doctor, visit ketteringhealth.org/services/primary-care.
‘GERD is basically what we call reflux. It’s where the stomach loses its ability to keep stomach acid within the stomach itself.’
Dr. James Parker
General surgeon