Category Archives: GERD
Why Does Acid Reflux Occur After a Gastric Sleeve? And What We Can Do
Dr. Tsuda’s Five Key Points New or worsened GERD is possible after a gastric sleeve There is no way to predict who will experience this concern after surgery Fixing a hiatal hernia is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of post-sleeve GERD We have various surgical […]
How Do PPIs Work Differently From Antacids?
Antacids like TUMS and proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, like Nexium, Prevacid, generic omeprazole, and other similarly named over-the-counter drugs, are typically the first line of defense against mild to moderate acid reflux. These two kinds of medication work differently to achieve a similar result: reducing acid or acidity in […]
A Discussion on Non-Surgical “Acid” Reflux Treatment
When our patients discuss their chronic reflux or GERD, a condition that affects more and more people every year as we continue to struggle with the obesity epidemic, we often add the word “acid.” To some degree, this makes sense as the stomach produces acid, which has a known adverse […]
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Are They Safe for Long Term Use?
Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs have become the front-line treatment for mild to moderate acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Virtually every patient that has not seen improvement with antacid such as TUMS has moved on to PPIs which are readily available, over the counter, and […]
Comparing Fundoplication to LINX for Reflux Management
A traditional fundoplication (where the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower portion of the esophagus) and the LINX Reflux Management System, (a bracelet-like titanium implant to squeeze the lower esophageal sphincter) are two common surgical solutions for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Both have their pros […]
GERD Treatment Options With Zantac (Ranitidine) Now Recalled
On April 1, 2020, the FDA announced a recall of ranitidine, also known as Zantac, a common medication used to treat reflux in adults and children. Removing this medication from shelves and urging all users to dispose of the drug and cease taking it comes after months of warnings and […]
Will the LINX Reflux Treatment Implant Go the Way of the Lap-Band?
The LINX Reflux management system has become one of the primary curative options for chronic acid reflux patients that have not responded well to medical therapy including antacids and acid blocking medication (PPIs). Of course, as with any surgical intervention, there are benefits and risks. The LINX Reflux management system, […]
Heartburn is Not the Only Symptom of GERD
It’s GERD awareness week and as part of our dedication to both prevention and proper treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, we are dedicating this blog post to the symptoms of GERD and how they can vary, beyond just heartburn. Before we start, it is important to understand why GERD occurs. […]
When Does Reflux Become GERD?
Acid reflux is a very common and usually transient condition that affects virtually everybody once in a while. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GER, occasional reflexes nothing to be concerned about and if anything tells us what to avoid and how much to eat. At this stage, conservative options […]