Non-Surgical GERD Treatment Options

The Heartburn treatment Centers of South Texas is led by Dr. Nilesh Patel FACS, a nationally recognized and fellowship-trained surgeon.

The Center offers the most common treatment for GERD. These are the non-surgical GERD treatment options.

• Lifestyle changes can help GERD symptoms.
• Most patients require some sort of acid-reducing medications.
• Many patients do not find acceptable relief with medications.

The most simple non-surgical GERD treatment option as well as safest are modifications of a patient’s lifestyle.

These are great options for heartburn treatment. Many of our Center’s patients have more advanced disease where these modifications may not help.

However, losing weight, eating small meals, not eating before bedtime, elevation the head of the bed and others can make a real difference in the severity of acid reflux symptoms.

Our staff understands and works with our patients on utilizing these changes.

However, most of our patients need something more. Usually, medications are required. They work by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach and thereby eliminate or improve reflux symptoms.

Many of these medications are available over the counter. Unfortunately, these are often not taken correctly. The package insert and instructions regarding the consumption of these drugs for heartburn treatment are usually disregarded.

There are specific instructions accompanying some of the most powerful medications not to take them for more than 14 days without seeing a physician.

However, since symptoms are improved or resolved, patients continue to purchase and consume them. Many patients have symptoms that progress requiring escalation to prescription strength medicines.

These non-surgical GERD treatment medications have a down side that many patients are not informed of.

Even though symptoms improve, the reflux is not stopped or even reduced. Complications from GERD can still occur even though the reflux is no longer felt.

The most powerful of these medications are called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Dexilant and others. Usually, they must be taken for life but under the care of a knowledgeable physician, this GERD treatment can provide acceptable relief for most GERD patients.

There are short-term side effects such as headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain and over the long term they may increase the risk of hip fractures, cause low magnesium levels in the blood and increase the risk of pneumonia’s and a severe type of colon infection. It is easy to see why the proper supervision of a qualified physician is needed.

The Heartburn Treatment Centers of South Texas understands how to utilize these non-surgical GERD treatment medications in a way that is safe and provides the best relief possible.

In addition, before being placed on a medicine, with all of the inconveniences, cost and potential side effects, we make sure they are needed and work with our patients determining whether this medical therapy is best for them.

These drugs are very overused and it is estimated that about 30% of patients taking PPIs do not actually have reflux and do not require GERD treatment. We offer, when indicated the proper testing to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux and making sure these medications provide you maximal benefit.

However, we are well aware that approximately 40% of patients do not find the relief they are seeking from these medications; are quite concerned and continue to suffer needlessly. They are not offered testing and other treatment options.

In addition to utilizing these non-surgical methods appropriately, The Heartburn Treatment Center offers minimally invasive surgical options that many patients feel is the best option for them.

Today, make that decision to contact Dr. Nilesh Patel to learn more about non-surgical GERD treatment options. Register for your initial FREE Evaluation at one of Heartburn treatment Centers, or contact us via email.