Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Experiencing the occasional bout of acid indigestion after a meal is not uncommon. However, persistent heartburn and reflux could be signs of a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Patients who experience reflux more than twice a week are encouraged to visit GERD specialist Dr. Berookim for a consultation.
What Causes Reflux?
Affecting an estimated 35 percent of Americans, acid reflux is caused by a failure of the sphincter muscle in the stomach to close completely. Stomach acid can slide back up into the esophagus and causes symptoms like heartburn, nausea after eating, and a sensation of food being caught behind the breastbone. Over time, untreated acid reflux can result in permanent damage to the cells of the esophagus. It’s important that patients with acid reflux visit a board-certified gastroenterologist like Dr. Berookim to undergo testing for GERD and other conditions that may affect the health of the esophagus.
Testing for GERD
Dr. Berookim offers various procedures to test for GERD and other conditions of the esophagus at his office in Beverly Hills. Two of the most common diagnostic techniques are EGD and capsule endoscopy.
Also known as an upper endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) allows GI doctors to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. After administering a sedative through an IV, Dr. Berookim will introduce a flexible tube attached to a camera into the patient’s throat. Upper endoscopies typically take less than 15 minutes and are performed on an outpatient basis.
Patients who prefer not to undergo sedation can be tested for GERD with a revolutionary new procedure known as capsule endoscopy. During the procedure, the patient swallows a pill-shaped camera, which sends pictures of the GI tract to a recording device. Dr. Berookim can review the pictures and make a diagnosis. The pill is eventually excreted from the body naturally. Also called ESO Pill, capsule endoscopy is a great option for patients with Barrett’s esophagus who need to monitor their condition over time.
Treating Acid Reflux and GERD
For some patients, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications are sufficient to relieve reflux symptoms. Dr. Berookim recommends that reflux patients avoid fried and fatty foods, alcohol, and cigarettes. Individuals should consult their primary care doctors before starting a regimin of antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
If medication is not sufficient to relieve your reflux, you may want to consider a surgical option to treat your GERD and prevent the development of more serious conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. If deemed necessary, Dr. Berookim, the GERD specialist can refer patients to a qualified surgeon to perform one of the following effective treatments for GERD on an outpatient basis:
Nissen fundoplication – A laparoscopic procedure, Nissen fundoplication involves the tightening of the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent the contents of the stomach from leaking back into the esophagus.
Esophyx procedure – During this procedure, the surgeon will insert the FDA-approved EsophyX device through the mouth into the esophagus. After placing the device at the point where the stomach meets the esophagus, the doctor will use multiple fasteners to create a valve to stop acid reflux.
Contact Dr. Berookim
If you are suffering from persistent reflux, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with GERD, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berookim, the GERD specialist, at The Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California by calling 310-271-1122. Treating GERD now is the best way to protect the health of your esophagus long-term.