Tips to Prevent GERD During the Holidays

It’s not surprising that the week of Thanksgiving was chosen as GERD awareness week, especially with our tendency to indulge in a little too much pumpkin pie, stuffing, and yams! GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a common disease that affects millions of Americans. Everyone has heartburn on occasion, but there are some clear differences between heartburn and GERD.

GERD is the most common digestive disorder for which patients seek medical care. Approximately 10% of Americans suffer from daily symptoms or take medications to manage these symptoms on a daily basis. In most patients who do not tolerate medical therapy or in patients who have inadequate or incomplete relief of GERD symptoms from appropriate medical therapy, antireflux surgery – performed by experienced surgeons and in appropriately selected patients – is a safe and effective option.

Helpful Tips to Prevent GERD

If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor about switching to another drug that does not have the same effect on the upper digestive tract. However, never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

If after trying the above tips, you are still experiencing GERD, see your doctor.

Surgical Treatment of GERD

Surgical therapy is also an option for the treatment of GERD. The main indication for surgical therapy is failure of medical management when symptoms persist despite appropriate medical therapy. Another indication for antireflux surgery is personal preference. Some people do not want to take lifelong acid suppression medication or have too many side-effects from these medications and may want to consider antireflux surgery. If you or someone you love is suffering from GERD, you may be a candidate for antireflux surgery. Talk to your primary care physician and know your options.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Do I Have a Goiter?

A goiter is a problem with your thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. Like other thyroid problems, goiters require proper medical care to avoid problems. Here’s why goiters happen and how we can help.

Do I Need to Have My Gallbladder Taken Out?

Gallbladder problems are common; unfortunately, most problems don’t clear up independently. The only long-term solution for most problems is surgery. Here’s how to tell if it’s the right solution for you.

Can My Hernia Heal on Its Own?

If you have a hernia, you probably wish it would just go away on its own. But hernias can’t heal by themselves — they need medical treatment. Here’s how we can help.

What Type of Thyroid Surgery Might I Need?

Many thyroid problems can be managed with medication, but there are times when thyroid surgery is necessary. In this post, you’ll learn about when surgery is recommended, along with the primary types of surgery used to treat thyroid problems.

Can Surgery Cure My Crohn's Disease?

Crohn’s is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management to keep it under control. Surgery can help — but it can’t provide a cure. If you have Crohn’s disease, here’s how surgery could play a role in helping you stay healthy.