GOODBYE, ACID REFLUX

We’ve all been there—and most certainly never want to go back.

That burning sensation in the heart, the difficulty swallowing, and the coughing and hoarseness.

These are several symptoms of acid reflux, a condition that occurs when acid from the stomach flows into the esophagus. Fortunately, most of us only experience an occasional bout with acid reflux. For others, though, acid reflux rears its ugly head several times a week.

Those with chronic acid reflux need to seek out treatment to prevent long-term complications, such as damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the development of Barrett’s Esophagus, a precancerous condition, and esophageal cancer.

Dr. Garth George of Advanced Gastroenterology and Surgery Associates has specialized experience in the management of acid reflux and the treatment of its complications.

“Some people have acid reflux worse than others,” he says. “Those people need to see a gastroenterologist so they can be checked for problems such as ulcers in the esophagus and narrowing of the esophagus. The disease also adversely affects their quality of life. Many cannot sleep, cannot enjoy meals, wake up choking or coughing, and have to miss work.”

For Dr. George, the first line of treatment is lifestyle modifications. That includes avoiding fatty foods and caffeine, using a wedge pillow in bed to incline the chest to 35 degrees and prevent acid from leaking out of the stomach, and not going to bed until three hours after a meal. If lifestyle modifications prove ineffective, he provides medical therapy such as proton pump inhibitors, which reduce the production of acid in the s tomach.

Patients with severe acid reflux may need a surgical procedure called Nisse Fundoplication, where the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to prevent regurgitation of acid into the chest.

“It’s very rewarding when I can help give acid reflux patients a much happier life,” he says.

At Advanced Gastroenterology and Surgery Associates, Dr. George and his team provide a full spectrum of preventative care, diagnostics, and treatment for digestive health and gastrointestinal needs. Some of the conditions they treat include, but are not limited to, irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease.

“All the physicians have a very good relationship here,” says Dr. George, who is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. “We all share the same values, which are providing superior care to our patients and treating them in the most caring manner possible.”

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY &

SURGERY

Associates

Leesburg | Lady Lake | Clermont 352.323.8868 agsaflorida.com