National GERD Awareness week takes place every year during the week of Thanksgiving – a time when many Americans may experience heartburn associated with overeating. However, if heartburn occurs more frequently, or is associated with symptoms other than heartburn, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a lifelong disease that affects up to one in five adults in the United States.
GERD is caused by a weak valve that allows acid, bile and stomach contents to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, creating pain (heartburn) and often causing damage to the lining of the esophagus. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but not the only one. Some GERD sufferers experience other symptoms, such as regurgitation, hoarseness, persistent cough, asthma, bad breath, sleep disturbance and tooth erosion. Medications can help with the heartburn symptoms, but do not address the actual cause of GERD, the weak valve.
Get Educated. Get Evaluated. Get Treated.
Dr. Denk with GI Surgical Specialists “Diagnostic testing performed by a healthcare provider specializing in diseases of the esophagus is the only way to definitively diagnose GERD. I urge patients suffering from GERD to seek help from a GERD specialist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss the latest treatment options to ultimately give these patients their lives back.”
“Many people don’t understand that GERD is a serious disease that can really impact every facet of a patient’s life – I see patients that haven’t had a good night’s sleep in years.” said Dr. Denk.
“If someone finds themselves having symptoms despite taking medication, or if they develop new symptoms or nighttime reflux, it’s time to get a thorough evaluation,” commented Dr. Denk.
GI Surgical Specialists is located at 13710 Metropolis Ave. #101in Ft. Myers and in Naples at 8340 Collier Blvd. #205. The practice specializes in minimally invasive – Reflux, Bariatric and General Surgery.
Ft Myers Office
13710 Metropolis Ave. #101
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Naples Office
8340 Collier Blvd. Suite 205
Naples, FL 34114
(239) 313-7522
GISurgical.com