Why Medications Sometimes Don’t Treat the Problem. (NAPSA)—Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is abnormally fre- quent or chronic acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomachfluid backs up, or refluxes, into the esophagus, exposingit to gastric acid and other contents. While occasionalreflux is normal, for some,it can be frequent and severe enoughto affect daily life. In fact, its estimated GERD caus- es pain for over 80 million Americans at least once a month.1 Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complica- tions, such as changes to the esophageal structure, knownas Barrett’s esophagus, and even cancer. However, the good news is you don't have to put up with this burden. What To Do Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms, and you should always consult a health care professional. GERD is a chronic condition, because the valve is not mechanically functioning—it needsa repair, not a temporary fix from an antacid or proton pumpinhibitor (PPI) pills. For mild GERD sufferers, simple di- etary andlifestyle changes may be enough to provide somerelief. These can include avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, such as coffee, tea and carbonated bever- ages; fatty, fried or spicy foods; and citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, onions, pepper- mint and chocolate. You may also eat smaller meals more often to avoid pressure on the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Recommended lifestyle changesinclude watching your weight and avoiding lying down within three hours of eating. When you do goto sleep, raise the head of your bedsix to eight inches. Don't smoke. Don't drink alcohol and do wear loose clothes. More tips are available at www.GERDhelp.com. If that doesn't do thetrick, you may have to turn to anti-reflux surgery to rebuild the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. A gastroenterologist can see if you're a candidate for a minimally invasive, incisionless medical ‘Data on file at EndoGastric Solutions.. procedure that is not major stomach surgery. The TransoralIncisionless Fundoplication—TIF procedure—treats the underlying anatomical cause of GERD by reconstructing the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to restore the body’s natural protection against reflux. This eliminates both the acidic symptoms ofreflux, suchas heartburn andsore throat, and the non-acid, atypical symptoms, such as asthma, chronic cough and regurgitation. “Due to its unique approach, most GERD patients who receive the TIF procedure are less likely to experience long-term sideeffects commonly associated with traditional anti-reflux surgery, such as trouble swallowing, bloating and gas, and are able to return to normal day activities within a few days post-procedure,’ said Dr. Anthony Starpoli, associ- ate director of esophageal endotherapyat Lenox Hill Hospital, New YorkCity. Since the TIF procedureis performed through the mouth with no abdominal incisions, patients typically return to work in less than one week. Recently published data showed at the three-year post-procedure check-up that: 71 percent of patients completely stopped taking their PPIs, 90 percentofpatients experienceda reduction of troublesomeregurgitation, And 88 percent of patients maintained eliminationofall daily atypical symptoms.1 “Most importantly, these positive outcomes are a strong indicator of the TIF procedure’s safety and durability, providing patients who no longer benefit from PPI therapy an effective alternative treatment option from chronic GERD symptoms,’ adds Dr. Lauren Gerson, director of clinical research, Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at California Pacific Medical Center. Learn More For further facts about GERD, as well as the TIF procedure, and to find a nearby physician who can help you,visit www.GERDhelp.com.
