GERD can often be treated with some lifestyle changes that patients make in Westchester County, White Plains, Bronxville, New Rochelle, Yonkers, NY, and the surrounding areas, but this doesn’t always work. For a variety of reasons, GERD can sometimes be a challenge to fully treat, and that’s why at Gastroenterology of Hudson Valley we have a number of other advanced treatment options to help patients. Some of these are non-prescription approaches that can be used on an as-needed basis, while there are also prescription medications that can be tried. In more extreme cases, surgical approaches can also be used to help reduce the refluxing acid from making up the esophagus. Our team can work with you to take the right approach and escalate things if necessary. It all starts with a call to us to schedule your appointment and discuss how GERD can be dealt with.
Advanced GERD Treatments Explained
There are a number of prescription medications, such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and others that are designed reduce or eliminate the acid production in the stomach. Many of these work well, and there are a few new medications that are available if these standard medications don’t work as they should. And while medications are a good solution, many may not want to use them long-term, or they may not be effective.
There are surgical options to look at if the medications aren’t doing what is needed. One surgical option called fundoplication is where the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter. Another surgical option is the LINX device, which is a ring of magnets that is wrapped around the junction of the esophagus and stomach. These magnets allow food to pass through but keep the acid from refluxing up the esophagus.
Understanding Obesity and the Connection To GERD
Those patients that are overweight more often experience GERD due to the excess abdominal fat that increases pressure on the stomach. This pressure can cause stomach acid to be forced up into the esophagus. This pressure can also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which further contributes to the acid reflux phenomenon. By consulting with our gastroenterologist, patients will receive personalized approaches to deal with GERD.
The first line of defense is with lifestyle changes in Westchester County, White Plains, Bronxville, New Rochelle, Yonkers, NY, and the surrounding areas, but if these don’t result in the positive effects desired, the next line is to look at prescription medications, and beyond that will be surgical options. Gastroenterology of Hudson Valley can explain all of the pros and cons to the different options beyond lifestyle changes so patients can make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.