Did you know 1 out of every 5 Americans has acid reflux disease? For many, it’s an annoyance that occasionally happens if they eat the wrong food or drink too much coffee. But for others, it can be a more frequent and serious problem that needs medical attention. If you keep a bottle of antacids with you everywhere you go, or if you feel like you should own stock in over-the-counter anti-reflux medications, chances are you are suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD.
For many people, acid reflux can occur day, afternoon, and night. Acid reflux can look and feel like many different symptoms, including:
- Heartburn
- Feeling a consistent lump or burning in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pressure/pain
- Back pain
- Regurgitation of food and liquid
- Disrupted sleep
- Coughing
- Laryngitis
- Increased asthma
Acid reflux causes
What causes acid reflux in the first place? Most of the time, it is the person’s own anatomy that is the culprit. Normally the valve between the esophagus and the stomach allows food to pass but then closes to keep stomach acid in the stomach. When this valve doesn’t function as it should, acid can flow back and up into the esophagus. This can be very painful. There are many reasons the valve might not be working as it should, including genetics, injury, obesity, diet, or old age.
What can you do about it?
So what do you do if you’re constantly chewing antacids even while taking daily medication for your acid reflux? When all of that isn’t enough, you have another option. The TIF Procedure is minimally invasive and can be a life changer for those who suffer from GERD.
TIF stands for Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, and it is revolutionizing how patients with severe acid reflux are being treated. The TIF procedure is minimally invasive surgical procedure for treatment of acid reflux disease/GERD. TIF works by reinforcing the natural anti-reflux barrier between the esophagus and stomach.
”The TIF Procedure is done using a special scope through your mouth while you are asleep,” says Dr. Keith Goldberg at NorthCrest Medical Center. “It’s a 30 minute procedure that simply strengthens the natural closing muscles between the esophagus and stomach, and it doesn’t leave any type of metal implant in the body.”
While many patients may be dissatisfied with the medicines available to treat their GERD symptoms, some are wary of traditional anti-reflux surgery. This concern may be due to the incisions required, the associated risks, and undesirable long-term side effects such as bloating, trouble swallowing, and increased flatulence. The TIF procedure bridges the treatment gap between medication and more invasive surgery. Additionally, this procedure can also help prevent stomach acid from causing permanent esophageal damage such as Barrett’s Esophagus or even esophageal cancers.
If you’re tired of your severe acid reflux/GERD symptoms, or want to learn more about the TIF procedure, please visit www.northcrest.com/tif. You can also call 931-919-4915 to reach Surgical Alliance of Middle TN located in the NorthCrest Specialty Clinic at 1810 Madison St, Suite B, Clarksville, TN 37043.