The Heartburn and Reflux Center at Sky Ridge Medical Center

Reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid travels back up the esophagus and into the mouth. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest behind your breastbone, is a symptom of reflux. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. Heartburn that is more frequent or interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom of a more serious condition requiring medical care.

The Sky Ridge Heartburn and Reflux Center offers advanced treatment options to help reduce symptoms and the risk of developing a more serious disease.

For more information about the Heartburn & Reflux Center at Sky Ridge, call us at (720) 225-6982.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Heartburn that occurs frequently and interferes with your routine is considered GERD. GERD treatment may require prescription medication, and occasionally, surgery or other procedures. GERD can seriously damage your esophagus or lead to precancerous changes in the esophagus called Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD include:

  • A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night
  • Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
  • Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
  • Excessive throat clearing
  • Hoarseness
  • Chronic cough
  • Asthma

Complete our Heartburn/GERD questionnaire to see if you may benefit from heartburn treatment.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

  • Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
  • Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
  • You have difficulty swallowing
  • You have persistent nausea or vomiting
  • You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating

Heartburn and reflux specialists

Our board-certified gastroenterologists and surgeons specialize in treating chronic GERD. Treatment and management for GERD or heartburn includes lifestyle changes, medications and, in more severe cases, surgery.

Conditions we treat include:

  • GERD/acid reflux disease
  • Hiatal and para-esophageal hernia
  • LPR (Laryngopharyngeal reflux)
  • Recurrent reflux or hernia after surgery
  • Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Achalasia

Testing for GERD

The capsule esophageal pH test measures and records the level of acidity (pH) in one’s esophagus to determine the degree to which you have acid reflux over a 48-hour period. The device consists of a capsule about the size of a vitamin pill that attaches to the esophagus by suction and transmits information wirelessly to a pocket-sized receiver you carry with you. Knowing if and when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus can help us better treat your symptoms.

GERD treatment

To treat GERD, we offer:

  • Biliary drainage
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding scans
  • Hiatal hernia repair (traditional and minimally invasive)
  • Magnetic sphincter augmentation
  • Paracentesis