Summer Fun, Food, and…Heartburn?

We all love a summer BBQ picnic or weekend beach getaway, and along with the fun, we tend to look forward to enjoying our favorite foods and drinks as well. For those suffering from heartburn, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eating or drinking certain summertime favorites may make for uncomfortable days and sleepless nights.

In the US, 20% of adults exhibit symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD on a weekly basis. Characterized by symptoms that include belching, upper abdominal burning, burning in chest, bitter taste, nausea, and sometimes regurgitation, these conditions occur when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle fails to keep stomach acid from leaking back up into the esophagus. Additionally, an individual may also suffer from a hiatal hernia, a condition where part of the stomach bulges into the chest cavity. Often, the hernia is small and doesn’t necessarily need to be repaired. However, a large hiatal hernia contributes to the GERD condition and its symptoms and should be corrected surgically. Many people go undiagnosed and untreated for months or even years, silently suffering while losing their quality of life, whereas others opt for a never-ending regiment of over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications to keep their heartburn at bay.

What causes heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD?

In addition to physiological reasons, lifestyle choices can increase or decrease your chances of getting heartburn. Certain food and beverages trigger acid reflux flares.

Acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are often aggravated by the following products:

• Carbonated beverages
• Chocolate
• Food that is acidic, spicy, or greasy
• Tea

Now doesn’t that sound like the makings of a typical Texas picnic or gathering? Can’t you picture the table now? A full spread of hot dogs, chicken wings, chips and salsa, jalapeño poppers, citrus salads, BBQ sauce, hamburgers, and more. We Texans like to go big or go home when it comes to summer gatherings, and you shouldn’t have to miss out on the fun just to avoid heartburn!

Having a cookout this summer? Review these safety tips to avoid foodborne illness.

What are my options?

It’s not all bad news! Most patients who have chronic heartburn or GERD find medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like Nexium or Prilosec) control their symptoms reasonably well. Unfortunately, these medications only mask symptoms, don’t actually stop reflux, and 30-40% percent of patients don’t get complete relief from their symptoms.

The Heartburn and Esophageal Disorders clinical practice within Digestive Health, a clinical partnership between UT Health Austin and Seton Ascension, is taking a different approach to treating patients with GERD. UT Health Austin surgeon Tripp Buckley, MD, who serves as the Surgical Director of Digestive Health, explains, “We are taking a multispecialty, comprehensive approach to this disease. Our team approach creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient.”

Learn how Dr. Buckley’s personal experience with GERD impacts his approach to patient care.

Patients who experience incomplete relief with medications and lifestyle modifications, are intolerant to drugs, don’t want to be on lifetime medications, or have advanced disease may opt to address their condition through minimally invasive surgery. “There are multiple new procedures for GERD that actually treat the disease at its source,” notes Dr. Buckley. These include procedural options designed to restore the normal anatomy of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the esophagus and stomach).

A surgical procedure called LINX is an option available for patients who do not respond well to daily medications or those who have concerns about the implications of lifelong pill therapy. “The LINX procedure is one of the most popular surgical options,” says Dr. Buckley. “The LINX is basically an artificial valve that stops reflux. It has been extensively studied and is very reliable, safe, and effective.” Dr. Buckley has been involved in many of the LINX research initiatives and is one of the most experienced LINX surgeons in the world. He is also involved in multiple research projects at the Heartburn and Esophageal Disorders Center. “Being on the cutting edge of research and innovation is integral to advancing the care of the GERD patient. We are also participating in an FDA trial for a new GERD therapy known as EndoStim that acts like a pacemaker for the valve. It has shown great promise in trials conducted outside of the United States.”

When should I see a specialist?

If you experience GERD symptoms more than twice a week or continue to have symptoms and/or develop new or worsening symptoms while on medication, then it may be time to see your doctor or a specialist. In the meantime, manage your symptoms, avoid or limit certain foods and beverages, and take your medications. Be your best advocate and take charge of your health to make the most of your summer and your life!

For more information about the Heartburn and Esophageal Disorders clinical practice, call 1-844-GI-AUSTIN (1-844-442-8784) or visit here.

For more about information about additional services offered in Digestive Health, call 1-844-GI-AUSTIN (1-844-442-8784) or visit here.