Heartburn

What is GERD?

GERD is caused by a weak muscle in the esophagus known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle acts as a barrier, functioning like a one-way valve that allows food to pass into the stomach while preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. In patients with GERD, the LES does not function properly, allowing stomach acid and bile to flow back into the esophagus, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.

If left untreated, GERD can result in serious complications such as:

• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus.

• Barrett's Esophagus: A condition in which the normal tissue lining the esophagus changes to tissue similar to the lining of the intestine, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

• Strictures: Narrowing or tightening of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing.

• Esophageal Cancer: A rare but serious consequence of chronic GERD.

Hiatal Hernias

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is a muscle that helps separate the stomach from the chest. Hiatal hernias can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), contributing to GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• Heartburn

• Acid reflux

• Difficulty swallowing

• Chest pain

In some cases, a hiatal hernia may not cause noticeable symptoms but can still contribute to complications like GERD. At Lake Cumberland Heartburn Center, we provide comprehensive evaluations and treatments for hiatal hernias, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and minimally invasive surgical options if needed.

Advanced Diagnostics and Treatments

At Lake Cumberland Heartburn Center, we offer a variety of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose GERD and its severity. These include:

Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series
This is a radiographic (X-ray) examination of the upper digestive tract. Patients drink a special liquid that coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, making these structures visible on X-ray images.

BRAVO Esophageal pH Monitoring
This minimally invasive test evaluates whether stomach acid is refluxing into the esophagus and causing symptoms. During an upper endoscopy (EGD), a small monitoring device is attached to the esophageal wall. The device measures acid levels for 48 to 96 hours, helping to determine the correlation between reflux and symptoms.

Why Choose Lake Cumberland Heartburn Center?

Living with GERD can disrupt every aspect of your life, from sleeping and eating to working and enjoying time with loved ones. At Lake Cumberland Heartburn Center, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and personalized care to resolve your acid reflux. Our approach focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of GERD rather than just managing symptoms. Our goal is to deliver reliable and long-lasting relief, helping you regain control of your health and quality of life.

Take the next step toward relief by scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists. Contact Lake Cumberland Heartburn Center in Somerset, Kentucky, today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.