Heartburn (Gastroenterology)

Gastroenterology Services at Baptist Memorial Health Care

While heartburn and acid reflux are common problems experienced by many people, reflux becomes a disease when it causes frequent or severe symptoms or injury. It is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In addition to heartburn and regurgitation, GERD symptoms can include chest pain, problems swallowing, chronic (long-term) cough, hoarseness and sore throat. Many people suffer for years without getting a full evaluation. Instead, they treat their symptoms with medications that control acid reflux, but these medications may hide the fact that GERD is silently taking its toll.

Gastroenterology specialists at Baptist Memorial Health Care perform advanced diagnostics for GERD and other conditions, including upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry and pH monitoring. Baptist also offers medical therapy, minimally invasive surgery and new therapies to treat this condition.

The Baptist Heartburn Treatment Center at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi offers innovative diagnostic techniques and treatment options to help ease the suffering of GERD. If you suffer from chronic heartburn and any of the symptoms listed above, it may be time to investigate further.

The Richard M. Nowell Endoscopy Center at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, is a leading-edge laboratory that performs a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for digestive disorders, including GERD, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers and jaundice.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center also offers ablation therapy to treat Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition associated with GERD. Barrett's esophagus is caused by long-term exposure of the esophagus to acid reflux associated with GERD. Ablation removes the diseased esophageal lining that, untreated, may develop into esophageal cancer.

Learn more from our Heartburn Treatment Center video:

Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD

Tests

• Upper endoscopy captures images and biopsies of the tissue in your esophagus using a slender scope.
• Esophageal manometry to measure pressures in the esophagus and provide information about its function.
• pH monitoring, which records actual acid levels (pH) in the esophagus while you are at home and carrying out your daily activities.

Therapies

• Medical therapy, which includes a rapidly changing array of medications for heartburn treatment.
• Minimally invasive surgery is recommended when medicine isn't the best option.