Heartburn Center

Personalized and Advanced Care

Welcome to the Heartburn Center at Memorial, your dedicated partner in personalized and advanced treatment for heartburn and GERD. At our center, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure accurate diagnoses and provide relief from your symptoms. Our goal is to work with you toward a healthy future, no matter if your gastrointestinal symptoms are mild or severe.

Doctors hand holding pen and pointing at model stomach

What is GERD?

Frequent heartburn may be a sign of a more serious condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Common symptoms of GERD can include:

Heartburn
Chronic Cough
Sore Throat
Regurgitation
Hoarseness
Chest Pain
Belching
Asthma

Our Diagnostic Treatment and Approach

We take a proactive approach to treating GERD. Our diagnostic process often begins with a trial of medication, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If your symptoms don’t improve with this medication, and an endoscopy doesn’t reveal any issues, we will likely recommend further diagnostic testing.

It is recommended that patients who are still experiencing symptoms while on PPIs be tested “off” their medication to see if they truly have acid reflux disease. The results from these tests help us choose the best treatment for you or determine if you can stop a medication you may not need.

Innovative Solutions

Our Heartburn Center utilizes advanced technologies for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment:

Bravo™ Reflux Testing System:

This is a small, capsule-based system that measures acid levels in your esophagus. Because it’s a catheter-free system, it’s less invasive and allows you to go about your daily routine while it records data for up to 96 hours. This extended recording time helps us get a more complete picture of what’s causing your symptoms. The results help us understand the connection between your symptoms and acid reflux events.

ManoScan™ Esophageal Manometry System:

This test maps the muscle function of your esophagus, from your throat all the way to your stomach. This helps us check for any issues with how your esophageal muscles are working. It’s a key tool for diagnosing conditions like achalasia and helps us gather important information before a patient has anti-reflux surgery.

Surgical Solutions for GERD

If non-surgical treatments prove ineffective in managing GERD, surgical options may be considered. One such procedure is fundoplication, which involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach, known as the fundus, around the lower esophageal sphincter to reinforce it and prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This surgical intervention can be a viable solution for patients who do not respond to medication or lifestyle changes, offering a more permanent way to alleviate the symptoms of GERD.