Acid Reflux Symptoms

Monitoring for Acid Reflux Symptoms

Other Acid Reflux Treatments include:
Antacids- These can and should be used more often. Generally, antacids should be taken 30 to 60 minutes after eating and at bedtime. Liquids are preferred to tablets, with the strongest being Maalox II, Mylanta II, Gelusil II and Extra Strength Riopan.
Alginic Acid and Antacids- Two products, Gaviscon and Algicon, place a layer of foam over the fluid in the stomach to prevent reflux. These tablets should be chewed well and used 30 to 60 minutes after eating and at bedtime.
Acid Reflux Medications- Medicines are now available that effectively reduces and even eliminates the secretion of stomach acid and increases the strength of the LES muscle. These medicines represent the most important method of treating reflux next to surgical or futuristic nonsurgical methods of correcting reflux. Other medications such as Reglan ( generic- metoclopramide), and Urecholine (generic- bethanecol) directly increase the strength of the LES muscle. Unfortunately, these drugs have certain adverse side effects and are not always helpful. Propulsid (generic- Cisapride) has been taken off the market due to it's cardiac side effects.
Endoscopic Surgery- Surgery can treat acid reflux. Those patients who are dependent on acid lowering agents may entertain an antireflux procedure. There are few patients who do not repsond to medical therapy and benefit from antireflux prcedures. Generally, however, a failure of medical therapy is not an indiction for surgery. Prior to any corrective procedure, a patient must undergo an extensive evaluation. The objective of this surgery is to strengthen the LES muscle. Successful surgery greatly relieves and can correct severe reflux and heartburn. A method of performing anti-reflux surgery is by laparoscopic technique whereby the surgery is accomplished through tiny holes in the belly button and upper abdomen. Recovery is quicker with this technique. However, the procedure is still an invasive surgery which has certain inherent risks and potential complications, and requires the use of general anesthesia. This operation should only be performed by qualified surgeons thoroughly familiar with it.

As director of the GERD unit at St. Vincents Hospital and Medical Center of New York, I am pleased to announce that a nonsurgical, endoscopic method for the treatment of reflux is now available. The acid reflux procedure, referred to as endoscopic fundoplication or endoscopic gastroplasty, involves the use of a sewing device which attaches to the end of the video endoscope.

This instrument assembly allows the endoscopist to carefully place stitches in the stomach below the LES (ie. junction between the esophagus and the stomach). The application of these sutures produces a pleat in the upper part of the stomach which helps reduce the pressure against the LES and decreases the amount reflux. General anesthesia is not used, there are no surgical incisions, and recovery is quicker.

The team at St. Vincents Hospital and Medical Center of New York is the first center in New York to offer endoscopic fundoplication.Working in conjunction with the developer and manufacturer of the endoscopic suturing device, The GERD Unit at St. Vincents Hospital and Medical Center has taken the lead in the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In Summary…
Heartburn occurs so commonly that it is normal for everyone to experience it sometime. However, when heartburn is persistent, it needs to be evaluated, and long-term follow up care is often required. Heartburn occurring two times weekly or more warrants a medical evaluation.

Medical treatment for acid reflux along with lifestyle changes are usually very effective and can prevent complications. For those patients requiring chronic medical therapy, an antireflux procedure, such as endoscopic fundoplication, offers a viable and usually successful alternative for treating acid reflux disease.

To learn more about your acid reflux treatment options you may contact our offices at: 1-877-4GERDMD or 212-673-2721.

Additional Acid Relfux Resource Material

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