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Acid Reflux Treatment in The Tri-Cities

What Causes Acid Reflux (GERD)?

With a normal, healthy person, after swallowing, a valve between the esophagus and the stomach opens to allow food to pass, then it closes to prevent stomach fluids from backwashing, or “refluxing,” back up into the esophagus. A fully functional valve closes to prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

For people with GERD, this valve has become dysfunctional and cannot close, allowing stomach fluids, both acid and non-acid, to backwash up into the esophagus. Non-acid reflux can be as harmful to the esophagus as acid reflux and can cause similar symptoms. The dysfunctional valve is unable to close to prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

The board-certified surgeons at Premier Surgical Lawson Group provide expert treatment for chronic acid reflux and GERD. If you are located in The Tri-Cities and and experiencing symptoms of chronic acid reflux, please call (423) 975-5650 and schedule a consultation at our general surgery center in Johnson City, TN. With our general surgery center in Johnson City, we are conveniently located for patients located in Bristol and Kingsport, TN.

What Causes the Valve to Become Dysfunctional?

  • Congenital: Though pediatric GERD is not uncommon, most children either outgrow it or are treated effectively for it as infants.
  • Injury to Upper Chest:. Typically the result of a sports-related injury (e.g., high school football injury) or a traumatic accident (e.g., seat-belt injury resulting from car accident). The injury causes the valve to “stretch” out of shape.
  • Obesity/Diet: Weight can be a significant contributing factor.
  • Age: As people age, their musculature can lose its integrity.

Is My Reflux Normal or Something More Serious?

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is more commonly known as chronic acid reflux disease. It is estimated that more than 23 million Americans suffer from the symptoms of GERD. GERD is caused by anatomical changes that result in the body’s natural antireflux barrier becoming dysfunctional, allowing stomach fluids to backwash up, or “reflux,” into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach), exposing the esophagus to gastric acid.

What Are the Symptoms of GERD?

While heartburn is the most common symptom, there are many other symptoms, both acid-related and non-acid-related. Most GERD sufferers attribute their symptoms to acid reflux, but reflux of non-acid stomach fluids can cause similar symptoms and can be just as harmful to the esophagus.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Heartburn
  • Excessive salivation (waterbrash)
  • Belching
  • Bloating
  • Pain or discomfort in the chest
  • Reflux-related sleep disorders
  • Yellow fluid or stains on pillow after sleep
  • Intolerance of certain foods and liquids

Atypical symptoms can include:

  • Regurgitation
  • Hoarseness or laryngitis
  • Frequent swallowing
  • Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
  • Excessive clearing of the throat
  • Persistent cough
  • Burning in the mouth or throat (acid taste in the mouth)
  • Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation
  • Discomfort in the ears and nose

Some reflux is normal, but if you suffer symptoms of reflux more than twice a week, you may have GERD. Call our office for a GERD evaluation.

Anti-Reflux Surgery for GERD

Surgery can be effective in eliminating GERD by reinforcing the valve between your esophagus and stomach. Ask your physician if you are a candidate for anti-reflux surgery. A surgical option is usually indicated for patients with:

  • a confirmed diagnosis of GERD by pH testing;
  • endoscopic evidence of inflammation, irritation or swelling of the esophagus (esophagitis);
  • or the presence of Barrett’s esophagus who are unable or unwilling to take medications for GERD or who wish to anatomically correct the root cause of their GERD.

Schedule Your GERD & Chronic Acid Reflux in Johnson City, TN Today!

Premier Surgical Lawson Group provides comprehensive treatment for patients experiencing symptoms of GERD or chronic acid reflux at our general surgery center in Johnson City, TN. If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic acid reflux, please call (423) 975-5650 and schedule your testing and treatment today!