TIF GERD | GERD Indianapolis Kirpal Singh MD

An estimated 1 in every 5 American adults suffers from GERD. It is a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow contents to flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can be a lifelong disease. It can lead to bothersome symptoms, which can vary from mild or moderate to severe depending on the

person.

• Typical symptoms: burning

sensation in the chest (heartburn),

regurgitation of food or sour liquid

(acid reflux) and difficulty

swallowing (dysphagia)

• Atypical symptoms: sensation of a

lump in the throat (globus), asthma,

chronic dry cough, chronic sore

throat, laryngitis and hoarseness,

dental erosions and non-cardiac

chest pain

GERD is not an “acid” problem. Instead it is caused by an anatomical issue. The acid our stomach produces is important for digestion, killing harmful bacteria and helping with the absorption of electrolytes and other nutrients from the foods we consume GERD occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not working properly and fails to keep contents in the stomach. Medications may offer mild to intermittent symptom control, but they do not stop or prevent reflux. Additionally, those who are or may become dependent on daily

medication may develop severe complications from GERD, even if no symptoms are experienced. When left untreated, GERD can lead to other health complications including:

• Damage to the throat or esophagus

• Inflammation or narrowing of the

esophagus

• Respiratory complications

• Barrett’s Esophagus

• Esophageal cancer

If lifestyle modifications are not effective in reducing your GERD

symptoms, it is important for GERD sufferers to know that there are

endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, like the TIF procedure for

reflux, that can help restore proper function to the faulty valve and relieve

your GERD.

If you have or suspect you have