If you’ve ever experienced heartburn, you know what an unpleasant distraction it can be – especially if you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. If heartburn is more than an occasional concern, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider.
Here, General Surgeon Matthew Broghammer, DO, provides answers to frequently asked questions about heartburn and GERD.
Q: Are heartburn and GERD the same thing? A: Both terms are often used. Heartburn can be a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition in which the stomach contents wash back up into the esophagus. The most common cause is if the ring of muscle that opens and closes at the bottom of your esophagus is weakened or not functioning effectively. This causes what is commonly called heartburn and may include other symptoms like chest pain, regurgitation and indigestion.
Q: Is heartburn just an inconvenience and no big deal? A: Heartburn may be only an uncomfortable inconvenience, but frequent or chronic heartburn might damage your esophagus and lead to complications like Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
Q: Can over-the-counter medications cure GERD? A: No. Medications can help manage symptoms and provide relief, but they don’t address the root cause of heartburn, which is a weak lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle that opens and closes at bottom of your esophagus). If that muscle is not functioning appropriately, it allows stomach contents to flow back up into your esophagus.
Q: If I take heartburn medication, will I have to take it for the rest of my life? A: Medication for heartburn is not intended to be used long-term. Anti-reflux surgery may be an option to eliminate chronic heartburn or more serious conditions from developing.
Q: If I stop eating certain foods, will I stop having heartburn? A: Certain foods and beverages can trigger GERD symptoms, especially when we overindulge. Avoiding triggering food is the first step in managing GERD, but may not be enough. Minimally invasive surgery can fix that – so you can enjoy your favorite foods in moderation without experiencing heartburn.
Q: Will anti-reflux surgery (surgery for GERD) cure my heartburn? A: Anti-reflux surgery is highly effective in preventing acid reflux, which causes heartburn, by restoring the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle that opens and closes at the bottom of your esophagus). Most patients experience long-term relief after surgery, especially when paired with lifestyle changes.
Q: Is anti-reflux surgery minimally invasive? A: Yes. Most procedures are performed laparoscopically or robotic-assisted, leading to smaller incisions, quicker recovery and less pain.
Q: Does GERD only affect adults? A: GERD can affect children and infants as well, although symptoms and treatment approaches may differ.
If you have more than occasional heartburn, talk to your primary care provider about possible solutions. Looking for a primary care provider? Call 507.454.3650 or learn more about our primary care providers at winonahealth.org/primarycare.
General Surgeon Matthew Broghammer, DO
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