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.

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.

doctor with tablet speaking with patient

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.

GERD reflux disease symptoms

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:

man holding head in hand appearing sleepy

Poor quality of sleep

woman suffering from reduced work productivity

Reduced work productivity

linx reflux management patient on a diet

Dietary compromises to avoid symptoms

doctor standing up talking to patient sitting down

Concerns about the long-term effects of reflux disease

female taking a gerd reflux pill

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

3 hard shell, beef tacos

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).

daily pill organizer box

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

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 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¶