Mercy Medical Center North Iowa | Life & Health | Spring 2019

If you’re among the 20 percent of American adults who experience heartburn at least twice a week, it’s time to see your physician. In the meantime, check what you know about this condition. Q What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This is caused by acid reflux, when digestive juices and food flow backward from the stomach through a valve into the esophagus. When heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Q What causes GERD? It is more common during pregnancy, in smokers and in people who are overweight. Dietary triggers may include fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, caffeine and alcohol. Eating a large meal or lying down shortly after a meal can also cause reflux. Q What are symptoms of GERD? Heartburn is the main symptom. Other signs are a dry cough; hoarseness; a burning sensation; trouble swallowing; and asthma symptoms, such as wheezing. Q How is GERD treated? Physicians often recommend lifestyle and dietary changes. If these changes don’t help, your physician may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription medicine. Also, surgery may help some people. When GERD symptoms are not controlled by treatment, your physician may recommend further testing. Sources: American College of Gastroenterology; American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Introducing a new, minimally invasive procedure for GERD and reflux relief MercyOne is the only health center in North Iowa offering this breakthrough procedure for people with chronic GERD and reflux Most people manage GERD with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and a few lifestyle changes. But when medications or PPIs (proton-pump inhibitors) don’t work anymore, surgery may be an option. MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center now offers a minimally invasive surgical option for people who have GERD. The procedure involves the laparoscopic implantation of the LINX device, which is made up of magnetized titanium beads, around a person’s esophagus just above the stomach. The quarter-sized flexible band of magnetic titanium beads strengthens the body’s natural barrier against acid reflux while allowing food and liquid to easily pass through when swallowing. The magnets open to allow food and liquid down, then close to prevent stomach contents from moving up, stopping acid reflux at the source. A success story Deb Rickard, a nurse manager, 52, had GERD and reflux with bad heartburn for 10 years, and her symptoms were not being helped by prescription and OTC medications anymore. “I was clearing my throat all of the time and had chronic heartburn,” she says. “I had the procedure done five months ago, and now I don’t feel the heartburn anymore. I feel better every week, and I’m looking forward to living my life symptom-free.” The recovery time for LINX is short, and patients can resume a normal diet the same day the procedure is done. The LINX device (left) is the size of a quarter. + TO SCHEDULE a consult for the LINX procedure, call 866-858-7155 . If you’re experiencing heartburn twice a week or more, it’s time to see your physician. Feeling the burn ? What you should know about heartburn and GERD LIFE AND HEALTH 7