You are about to leave jnjmedtech.com. By clicking to continue, you will be taken to a web site governed by their own Legal and Privacy Policies.
Reflux is a disease, not a bad meal choice.
Reflux is a disease, not a bad meal choice.
Reflux (also called Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) is a chronic digestive disease in which acid and bile flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, creating pain and often causing damage to the lining of the esophagus.
MEDIA
Reflux (also called Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) is a chronic digestive disease in which acid and bile flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, creating pain and often causing damage to the lining of the esophagus.
What causes reflux disease?
Reflux disease is caused by inappropriate relaxation or weakness in a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally the LES acts like a one-way valve allowing food and liquid to pass through to the stomach, but preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of reflux disease is heartburn. However, reflux disease can produce a wide variety of symptoms including: hoarseness, sore throat, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, asthma, heartburn, and regurgitation.
Patients living with reflux disease often experience:
Poor quality of sleep
Reduced work productivity
Dietary compromises to avoid symptoms
Concerns about the long-term effects of reflux disease
Life-long dependence on reflux medications
Complications*
In addition to producing a wide range of symptoms, reflux disease can lead to potentially serious complications including:
- Esophagitis (Inflammation that can damage the tissue of the esophagus)
- Stricture (Narrowing of the esophagus)
- Barrett’s esophagus (Pre-cancerous changes to the tissue lining the esophagus)
- Esophageal cancer (uncommon)1†
Diagnosis
There are several tests that your physician may use to diagnose reflux
disease. Here are some examples:
- A medication trial may be used to confirm diagnosis in patients with typical symptoms.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also known as upper Endoscopy, is a test that examines the esophagus and LES for evidence of reflux disease.
- pH monitoring using a probe in the esophagus near the stomach measures the level of esophageal acid exposure.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modification
Diet modifications to reduce or eliminate spicy/ acidic food, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and tobacco. Lifestyle modification such as elevation of head of bed, no meals 2-3 hours before bed, and weight loss (in overweight patients).
Medication
The benefits of medication include reduced stomach acid production, reduced inflammation of the esophageal lining, and relief from heartburn symptoms. However, medication does not address the mechanical cause of reflux disease (weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter).2 Studies have shown that up to 40% of patients continue to have symptoms while on medication.3‡
Traditional Anti-Reflux Surgery: Fundoplication
Fundoplication surgery involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the outside of the esophagus at the lower esophageal sphincter to help prevent reflux. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of GERD and may also end dependence on medication.4
LINX Reflux Management System
LINX is a small, flexible ring of magnets placed around the esophagus during a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike other surgical treatments for GERD§, LINX does not require changes to the stomach anatomy.5,6¶