If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you likely know that you’re not alone. In fact, nearly 15 million Americans suffer from acid reflux daily. There are far more people who have symptoms at least once a month— nearly 60 million! If you and your doctor have exhausted other interventions, it may be time to consider a type of acid reflux surgery (also known as GERD surgery). But which one?
Read MoreMost people are familiar with heartburn— whether it’s something they only experience once in a while after a hearty meal, or a regular nuisance in their life. Despite its name, it actually has nothing to do with your heart. Instead, it is actually a symptom of acid reflux, which is all about your esophagus. Knowing why we experience acid reflux can play a huge role in preventing it, and in knowing when it’s time to seek professional help. So let’s break down the basics.
Read MoreIf you’ve got GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) you probably already deal with a number of uncomfortable, life-disrupting, and frankly annoying symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and even sleep disruption. One thing you might not have thought about as a byproduct of GERD is pneumonia. But wait, isn’t that a respiratory disease? Join us as we explain the link between GERD and pneumonia (and why you might want to lay off the PPIs).
Read MoreMost people associate heartburn with spicy or greasy foods, often paired with hearty favorites like tomato sauce. Many also assume heartburn is something that only happens to those who are overweight or pregnant. And while these all certainly can be causes of heartburn, as anyone who suffers from chronic reflux or GERD can tell you, they’re far from the only ones. In fact, there are some key culprits of heartburn that might actually surprise you.
Read MoreAt Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we encourage all of our patients to take steps to wean themselves from PPIs and seek alternative treatment options like anti-reflux surgery, the only thing proven to effectively treat GERD long-term by correcting the LES and alleviating the symptoms of GERD. Here are some steps you can take when weaning yourself off a PPI, as well as what to expect from the process.
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