While heartburn and acid reflux are common problems experienced by many people, reflux becomes a disease when it causes frequent or severe symptoms or injury. It is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD symptoms can include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation
• Chest Pain
• Problems Swallowing
• Chronic (long-term) Cough
• Hoarseness
• Sore Throat

Many people suffer for years without getting a full evaluation. Instead, they treat their symptoms with medications that control acid reflux, but these medications may hide the fact that GERD is silently taking its toll.

Advanced Diagnostics

Gastroenterology specialists at Baptist Memorial Health Care perform advanced diagnostics for GERD and other conditions, including:

• Upper Endoscopy
• Esophageal Manometry
• pH Monitoring

Baptist also offers medical therapy, minimally invasive surgery and new therapies to treat this condition.

The Baptist Heartburn Treatment Center

The Baptist Heartburn Treatment Center at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi offers innovative diagnostic techniques and treatment options to help ease the suffering of GERD. If you suffer from chronic heartburn and any of the symptoms listed above, it may be time to investigate further.

The Richard M. Nowell Endoscopy Center

The Richard M. Nowell Endoscopy Center at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, is a leading-edge laboratory that performs a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for digestive disorders, including:

• GERD
• Colon Cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis)
• Stomach Ulcers
• Jaundice

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center

Mississippi Baptist Medical Centeralso offers ablation therapy to treat Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition associated with GERD. Barrett's esophagus is caused by long-term exposure of the esophagus to acid reflux associated with GERD. Ablation removes the diseased esophageal lining that, untreated, may develop into esophageal cancer.

Learn more from our Heartburn Treatment Center video:

Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD

Tests

Upper Endoscopy

Captures images and biopsies of tissue in the esophagus using a slender scope.

Esophageal Manometry

Measures pressure within the esophagus and provides information about how it functions.

pH Monitoring

Records acid levels (pH) in the esophagus while you are at home and carrying out your normal daily activities.

Therapies

Medical Therapy

Includes a rapidly evolving range of medications used to treat heartburn.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

May be recommended when medication is not the best treatment option.