Gastroesophageal reflux disease—or GERD—is a condition that occurs when a weakened lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to regularly back up into a person’s esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with his or her quality of life. GERD symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throats, acid reflux and more. If left untreated, GERD symptoms can transform from uncomfortable irritations to serious complications. Below are some risks associated with leaving your GERD untreated.

The Hidden Dangers Of PPI's

PPIs include such brand names as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, and Nexium, and they are used very frequently because they are generally effective and most patients don’t experience side effects. Short-term side effects of PPIs can include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

However, as with most medications, even if the patient does not experience any short-term side effects, there can be side effects that occur with long-term use of the drug. These long-term side effects may be serious, and recent research has looked more closely at the dangers of PPIs that can accompany chronic usage of this class of drugs.

AdminApril 21, 2017GERD, acid reflux, PPIs, PPI medication, GERD and PPIs, dangers of ppisComment

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Keeping A Heartburn Journal

A big part of both diagnosing and treating your reflux is understanding your symptoms. Heartburn journals help identify the foods and bad habits that trigger your heartburn, in addition to telling your doctor more about whether you have a chronic condition. There are many benefits to keeping a heartburn journal, but here are five reasons why we recommend it to patients:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: What Tests Are Used To Diagnose The Condition

There are a number of different tests used to diagnose GERD, all of which we perform here at Tampa Bay Reflux Center. Which tests we use is based off each patient’s individual case and the severity of their symptoms, chances are that if GERD is suspected, however, you’ll be scheduled for at least one of the following procedures:

AdminMarch 16, 2017 Comments

The 3 Most Common Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

We’re all familiar with acid reflux. It’s one of the most on-the-rise ailments in the United States, with approximately 1 in 5 Americans experiencing weekly symptoms and over 60 million Americans experiencing symptoms at least once a month. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid splashes back up into the esophagus. It can be caused by situational occurrences (such as eating a very large meal) or as the result of a weakened lower esophageal sphincter.

Whether your reflux is occasional or frequent, there’s no denying that it’s incredibly uncomfortable. Acid reflux can present with a number of different symptoms, but the three most common signs of acid reflux are heartburn, regurgitation, and dyspepsia.