North Florida Regional Medical Center

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Acid Reflux

More than 60 million people in the U.S. suffer with Acid Reflux Disease. The good news is, you don’t have to. There are ways to cure Acid Reflux Disease, and North Florida Regional Medical Center is here to help.

What is Acid Reflux Disease?

Acid Reflux Disease is also referred to as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. It is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach refluxes into the esophagus, causing inflammation and severe discomfort.

How is Acid Reflux Disease Diagnosed?

At North Florida Regional, approximately 25 percent of all upper endoscopies performed are for patients with suspected Acid Reflux Disease. These are the steps that are taken to diagnose it:

Upper digestive system is X-rayed
Barium Swallow, a test used to determine the cause of painful swallowing, may also be performed
Visual examination of inside of esophagus via flexible tube passed down the throat
Monitoring amount of acid in esophagus through PH testing
Measuring of movement of esophagus through Esophageal Motility Testing

What Types of Treatment are Offered?

Initial treatments to control acid reflux consist of the following types of over-the-counter medications:

Antacids that neutralize stomach acid
Medications to reduce acid production
Medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus

Contact your doctor if you need to take these medications two or more times a week or if your symptoms are not relieved. If acid reflux persists despite initial approaches, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength medications.

What if Medication Does Not Work?

Surgery may be used to treat Acid Reflux Disease symptoms that have not been controlled with medication. At North Florida Regional, we offer minimally invasive procedures that are effective in treating Acid Reflux.

Our physicians most commonly perform the Nissen Fundoplication to treat medically resistant acid reflux. This surgery recreates the valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter), thus preventing acid from backing up into the esophagus. It is minimally invasive and is considered the surgical ‘Gold Standard’ for treatment of GERD.