Integrated GERD Treatment

Effective GERD treatment at KindlyMD in Utah offers personalized care to manage acid reflux, reduce symptoms, and improve your digestive health.

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Integrated GERD Treatment

Living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can make even the simplest daily activities uncomfortable. At KindlyMD, we provide integrated care designed to address the root causes of GERD, reduce symptoms, and help you regain control of your digestive health. Through lifestyle adjustments, proven treatments, and ongoing support, our team is here to help you feel better and live more comfortably.

To learn more about GERD treatment, continue reading or contact us directly.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that normally prevents stomach acid from rising, weakens or relaxes inappropriately.

While occasional heartburn is common, GERD involves persistent symptoms that occur at least twice a week and can lead to complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of GERD

GERD symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, daily disruptions.

Common signs include:

Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or at night
Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid rising into the throat or mouth.
Chest Pain: Pain that may mimic a heart attack but is caused by acid reflux.
Difficulty Swallowing: A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.
Chronic Cough or Sore Throat: Acid irritation affecting the upper airways.
Hoarseness or Voice Changes: Causes voice to sound different, especially in the morning.
Disrupted Sleep: GERD symptoms often worsen when lying down, impacting rest.

If you experience these symptoms regularly, seeking professional evaluation and care is important.

What Causes GERD?

GERD is caused by factors that weaken or disrupt the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Common causes and contributing factors include:

Dietary Choices: Fatty, spicy, or acidic foods; caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages
Obesity: Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, contributing to reflux
Hiatal Hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, weakening the LES.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and abdominal pressure can lead to acid reflux.
Smoking: Weakens the LES and increases acid production.
Medications: Certain medications, such as NSAIDs or calcium channel blockers, may worsen GERD symptoms.

Understanding the underlying causes of GERD is key to developing an effective treatment plan.

Diagnosis of GERD

At KindlyMD, diagnosing GERD involves thoroughly evaluating your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Your provider may recommend:

Physical Examination to assess symptoms and identify potential triggers.
Endoscopy, a procedure to examine the esophagus for inflammation or damage.
pH Monitoring to measure acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours.
Esophageal Manometry to evaluate muscle function in the esophagus and detect weakness or dysfunction.

An accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the most appropriate and effective care.

Effective GERD Treatment Options

Our team takes a comprehensive approach to GERD treatment, addressing symptom management and long-term care.

Lifestyle Changes

Minor, daily adjustments can significantly reduce GERD symptoms, including:

Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoiding trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic options.
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce abdominal pressure.
Elevating the head of your bed to prevent nighttime reflux.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol.

Medications

Various medications can help reduce acid production, heal the esophagus, and alleviate discomfort.

Antacids neutralize stomach acid for quick, short-term relief.
H2 Blockers reduce acid production to provide longer-lasting symptom control.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) decrease acid production and promote esophageal healing.

Alternative Treatments

Complementary therapies may offer additional relief for GERD, like:

Medical Cannabis: We provide expert guidance to help patients understand eligibility for a Medical Cannabis Card, which may support symptom management for some individuals.
Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce stress, a common trigger for GERD.

Surgical Interventions

For severe GERD that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgical options like fundoplication may be considered. This procedure strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux.

Understanding Long-Term Management and Monitoring

GERD requires ongoing management to prevent complications such as esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett’s esophagus.

Our team provides:

Regular Monitoring: Ensuring treatments remain effective as your needs evolve.
Preventive Care: Lifestyle coaching to help reduce flare-ups and maintain digestive health.
Patient Education: Resources and tools to help you identify triggers and manage symptoms.

With the right approach, you can lead a more comfortable, symptom-free life.

Personalized Care for GERD at KindlyMD™ in Utah

At KindlyMD, we understand that GERD affects everyone differently. Our personalized care plans focus on your unique symptoms, triggers, and goals to help you achieve lasting relief.

Take the first step toward managing GERD effectively.

Schedule your appointment today, or find a clinic near you to get started.

Testimonials

Hear from our patients about how our compassionate, integrated approach to mental health care has made a difference in their lives.

“The people are very nice and helpful! [They are] so good at listening and offering suggestions on what would help my pain and RLS.”

Michael C.

Integrated GERD Treatment