Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn

Occasional feelings of heartburn are normal. Whether from a big meal or a cup of coffee, most people experience acid reflux once in a while. But frequent acid reflux or symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath can be signs of something bigger — something we can help treat. When you enter into the AdventHealth network of care, we’ll answer your questions, find solutions, and provide clarity, starting with a combination of tests to help diagnose GERD, which could include:

• Bernstein Test
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to Detect Blood or Blockage
• Esophageal Manometry
• Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series
• Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• pH Monitoring
• Stool Sample

Over time, acid reflux can cause complications in your esophagus, like narrowing, ulcers, or precancerous changes. Lean on us to take a proactive approach to your care and help prevent future issues. We want to diagnose you quickly and send you on your way feeling great again.

You don't spend time talking about your digestive issues. Nobody does. It's an uncomfortable, even embarrassing, topic of discussion. But you’re far from alone. Almost half of all Americans experience GERD. While you might not enjoy discussing your condition with your friends and family, it's exactly why we're here: to listen, help you understand your GERD diagnosis, and pave the way for digestive relief.

Acid reflux is when your digestive sphincter relaxes and allows stomach acid to flow back up, irritating your esophagus. It can be caused by a number of things, including smoking or eating large meals. Obesity, pregnancy, and conditions like hiatal hernia and scleroderma are also risk factors. At AdventHealth, we’re here to put a name to your discomfort so we can help ease your pain. GERD can be broken down into a number of different types, including:

• Acid Reflux
• Acid Reflux In Children (Pediatric GERD)
• Barrett’s Esophagus
• Heartburn
• Infant GERD
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

Whatever type of GERD is bothering you, we're here to talk about it and get you the help you need. Our goal is diagnosing the cause of your heartburn and offering you the treatments you need, so you can start enjoying life again.

Relief from gastric reflux isn’t far away. We’ll work with you one-on-one, focusing on caring for your body, mind, and spirit. In many cases, we can help relieve your GERD by guiding you to make a few small lifestyle changes. At AdventHealth, our nutritionists can help you limit things that trigger heartburn, like fatty or fried foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, and tomato products. We may recommend a combination of other acid reflux treatments, including:

• Eating Smaller Portions
• Monitoring Medications
• Not Lying Down After Eating
• Quitting Smoking
• Raising the Head of Your Bed
• Taking Antacids

Sometimes, your path to relief needs a bigger push. When medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we may recommend a fundoplication, a minimally invasive surgery to keep the esophagus in place and prevent reflux symptoms. If surgery becomes part of your GERD treatment plan, trust that your skilled surgical team will explain the procedure fully so you can feel at ease with your care.