The week of November 21–27, 2021, is National Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week. It comes just in time for Thanksgiving when many Americans may experience heartburn associated with overeating. However, if heartburn occurs more frequently, or is associated with additional symptoms, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
An estimated 1 in every 5 American adults suffers from GERD. It is a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow contents to flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can be a lifelong disease. It can lead to bothersome symptoms, which can vary from mild or moderate to severe depending on the person.
Typical symptoms: burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Atypical symptoms: sensation of a lump in the throat (globus), asthma, chronic dry cough, chronic sore throat, laryngitis and hoarseness, dental erosions, and non-cardiac chest pain
GERD is not an “acid” problem. Instead it is caused by an anatomical issue. The acid our stomach produces is important for digestion, killing harmful bacteria and helping with the absorption of electrolytes and other nutrients from the foods we consume.
GERD occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not working properly and fails to keep contents in the stomach. Medications may offer mild to intermittent symptom control, but they do not stop or prevent reflux. Additionally, those who are or may become dependent on daily medication may develop severe complications from GERD, even if no symptoms are experienced. When left untreated, GERD can lead to other health complications including:
- Damage to the throat or esophagus
- Inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus
- Respiratory complications
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Esophageal cancer
If lifestyle modifications are not effective in reducing your GERD symptoms, it is important for GERD sufferers to know that there are endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, like the TIF procedure for reflux, that can help restore proper function to the faulty valve and relieve your GERD.
TIF Procedure Is Available at Amberwell
Amberwell is fortunate to have board-certified general surgeon Dr. Roderick Warren perform the TIF procedure. Dr. Warren is one of the leading surgeons in the country to perform the minimally-invasive TIF procedure for the treatment of GERD. Since 2017, he has performed over 160 TIF procedures.
Of the many advantages to seeing Dr. Warren for your TIF procedure, one of the greatest is that Dr. Warren can treat you throughout the entire process—from the initial visit and pre-operative work through your post-procedure, follow-up care.
Find out if TIF is right for you
- Click here to take our online quiz to see if TIF is right for you.
- Contact Dr. Roderick Warren’s office at 913-367-6682 to request a consultation.
