Heartburn Treatment Center, Navicent Health Provides Help for Those with Reflux
Heartburn Treatment Center, Navicent Health is committed to increasing awareness of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux or chronic heartburn, and its potential health risks. If left undiagnosed or untreated, GERD can lead to adenocarcinoma, the most common type of esophageal cancer in the United States.
GERD is caused when the gastroesophageal valve allows stomach contents to wash backwards or reflux into the esophagus, causing injury to the esophageal lining. Approximately 1 in 5 American adults have GERD, the most common gastrointestinal-related diagnosis made by physicians during clinical visits in the U.S.
“Many people incorrectly assume that they just have to live with chronic heartburn, but thankfully, that’s not the case. At GI Institute, we offer an array of surgical and nonsurgical advanced treatment options to comprehensively manage patients and decrease their risk for long-term effects, like cancer,”
“GERD is an anatomical problem that needs an anatomical solution - medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) may temporarily relieve heartburn symptoms, but they don’t solve the underlying anatomical problem or prevent further disease progression. Whenever possible, it’s our goal to address the root cause of GERD,” said William Fackler, MD, gastroenterologist.
The TIF procedure is one solution for the anatomical problem. The TIF procedure allows for the repair of the faulty valve and prevents stomach contents from refluxing back into the esophagus. This option can significantly improve quality of life for patients, and clinical studies show that post TIF procedure, most patients are no longer dependent on daily PPI medications, and able to resume activities and eat and drink foods they avoided for years.
Another option for treatment of GERD is the LINX Reflux Management System, a small implant comprised of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads augments the existing esophageal sphincter’s barrier function to prevent reflux, restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.
To learn more about GERD and treatment options, click here to view an interview with Dr. Penn or visit Heartburn Treatment Center, Navicent Health online. GERD Awareness Week is recognized nationally November 17-23, 2020.
About Navicent Health
Navicent Health, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Navicent Health provides care for healthcare consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Navicent Health is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.