GERD

GERD is a condition where stomach acid backs up into the lower esophagus two or more times a week. GERD usually begins as a burning pain that starts behind the breastbone and radiates upward to the neck. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) stops the flow of acid into the esophagus. When it is weak or relaxes inappropriately, GERD can occur.

 

Symptoms

Heartburn, regurgitation, belching, bloating, hoarseness, chronic sore throat, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping or lying flat are all signs of GERD.

 

Food for thought

If left untreated, chronic acid reflux can damage the esophagus and possibly lead to esophageal cancer. Many times lifestyle and dietary changes alone cannot prevent chronic heartburn. As many as 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. About 25 million adults in the United States experience daily heartburn. The Heartburn Center at NMMC’s Center for Digestive Health offers heartburn sufferers a health care experience unlike any other. From the moment you call, you’ll receive personalized care that treats you not only as a patient, but also as a person.

Personalized attention

Compassionate staff physicians. A well organized practice. The latest in medical therapies. With one phone call you gain easy access to the most complete Heartburn Center anywhere that caters to your needs as a heartburn sufferer and a person. From our staff physicians to our nurse coordinators, the entire Heartburn Center staff oversees your care with compassion and attention to detail.

State-of-the-art equipment, therapies & tests

We offer the latest in medical therapies, accurate testing and minimally invasive surgery.

Well-trained team

The Heartburn Center is staffed by board-certified gastroenterologists and surgeons, and nurses who are specially trained in chronic heartburn management.

At the Heartburn Center, we are on the cutting edge of emerging diagnostic and treatment trends. From medicine to minimally invasive surgery, you can rest easy, knowing the most thorough evaluations and treatments are at our command.

Upper endoscopy

One of our staff gastroenterologists will use this procedure to evaluate the condition of the tissue in your esophagus and stomach. Using a slender scope, pictures and biopsies of these areas may be taken as necessary.

Medical therapy

The array of medications for heartburn treatment is rapidly changing. Through continuing education, our staff gastroenterologists are highly knowledgeable in the proper use, dosing and effects of all

medications and can help you make decisions on the medication’s benefits versus its expense.

Esophageal manometry

This procedure, which is performed by one of our trained nurses, measures pressures in the esophagus and provides information about its function.

24-hour pH study

This study involves recording actual acid levels (pH) in the esophagus for 24 hours while you are at home and carrying out your daily activities. This information accurately establishes whether or not GERD is the cause of your symptoms.

Minimally invasive surgery

When medicine isn’t the best option, minimally invasive surgical procedures can be performed by one of our staff surgeons. These surgeries involve tiny incisions and usually require only an overnight stay at NMMC-Tupelo Hospital.

Incorporation of new therapies

To ensure you get the best care available, our staff constantly evaluates and incorporates new and emerging therapies and technologies, including endoscopic therapies. Our physicians participate in national clinical research studies and provide their expertise as a test site for leading edge therapies and technologies. For chronic heartburn sufferers, mealtime can be a constant compromise.

 

You avoid foods you love.

You labor through painful, sleepless nights.

It’s time to take control of your eating  – and your life – with personalized care and medical expertise from the Heartburn Center.

Our sole mission is responding to your needs and offering convenient treatment for heartburn delivered by professionals who truly care for your well-being. Our staff will coordinate your care with your regular physician.