Avoiding Holiday Heartburn

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA – More than 30 million Americans suffer from acid reflux and with the holiday season right around the corner, the risk of getting “holiday heartburn” increases significantly as many overindulge in their favorite foods. In its continued efforts to raise awareness about the diagnosis, treatment, and health risks associated with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the Digestive Care Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center is participating in the 18th Annual National GERD Awareness Week (November 19-25, 2017).

According to a study that followed over 30,000 people for 11 years, symptoms of reflux and heartburn nearly doubled in the last decade. GERD occurs when stomach acid or bile washes back into the esophagus. Over time this acid erodes the lining of the esophagus, resulting in discomfort, or in some cases, serious complications. During GERD Awareness Week, individuals are encouraged to learn the symptoms and causes of GERD, understand the associated health risks, and what treatment options are available to them.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of GERD?

GERD can affect people at any age and the risk for developing GERD increases after the age of 40. GERD is caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that does not adequately prevent stomach acid from escaping the stomach and flowing back into the esophagus. Additionally, GERD can be related to a hiatal hernia, which can allow stomach acid or undigested food to wash back into the esophagus after a meal.

GERD should only be diagnosed by a doctor and may require further testing to be confirmed. According to Atif Iqbal, M.D., medical director of the Digestive Care Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, the following symptoms may be indicators to visit your physician:

• You experience heartburn twice or more each week

• Your heartburn affects your sleep

• Your heartburn persists or becomes more severe

• You’ve had heartburn regularly for several years

• Daily activities are affected by discomfort from reflux

• You experience difficulty swallowing

• You experience a chronic, non-productive dry cough

“The holiday season can be an extremely dangerous time for many GERD sufferers,” explains Dr. Iqbal. “By understanding the common causes and symptoms associated with this disease, the more proactive we can be in treating and potentially preventing it from occurring.”

Health Risks Associated with GERD

Beyond discomfort in daily activities such as exercising, eating, and sleeping, GERD can cause additional complications. Over time, stomach acid can cause esophagitis, a painful inflammation of the esophagus. Left untreated, esophagitis can result in esophageal bleeding, scarring, or ulcers. An additional condition called Barrett’s esophagus affects about 1% of GERD patients. Barrett’s esophagus occurs when cells in the lower esophagus become damaged and change in color and composition. This increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Since 1970, the diagnosis of esophageal cancer has increased by 600 percent, and is the seventh leading cause of cancer death for men. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus are encouraged to be screened regularly for cancer since many symptoms aren’t manifested until the cancer is advanced.

GERD Treatment Options

Adequately treating GERD requires a long-term commitment to improving lifestyle choices and may require physician recommended treatments to control or reduce painful symptoms. The FDA-approved LINX® device, which resembles a small bracelet, is composed of tiny magnetic titanium beads. During a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, the implant is placed at the base of the esophagus, just above the stomach, and acts as a support for a weak malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to prevent stomach acid from washing into the esophagus. In a three-year study, 92 percent of patients reported significant symptom improvement and 94 percent of patients felt satisfied with their overall condition following surgery.

“The LINX® procedure is a viable treatment option for patients who continue to experience daily episodes of GERD despite taking over the counter (OTC) or prescribed medication,” added Dr. Iqbal.

For more information about GERD as well as diagnosis and treatment options, please call (714) 378-7664 or visit MemorialCare.org/OCDigestiveCare.