With various acid reflux treatments ranging from medical therapy to newer non-surgical antireflux procedures such as EsophyX or Stretta, Dr. Anthony Starpoli can help you to find the best treatment for your Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Dr. Starpoli specializes in endoscopic assisted, incisionless reflux therapy.
Other Treatments for acid reflux include:
Generally, antacids buffer and neutralize acid and should be taken 30 to 60 minutes after eating and at bedtime. Liquids are preferred to tablets for immediate, but temporary relief.
The next category is histamine type II blockers such as famotidine that modulate acid production. They are available over-the-counter and in higher strengths by prescription.
The most potent acid lowering drugs are referred to as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) that shut down acid production such as omeprazole.
A newer category of acid blockers called Potassium competitive acid blockers (PCAB). A PCAB is a new class of acid suppression medications that inhibit gastric (H + K + ATPase) with a faster onset of action than PPI drugs.
The appropriate class and dosing will be decided by your reflux specialist.
I am pleased to present incisionless, endoscopic methods for the treatment of reflux are now available. I offer two incisionless, endoscopic assisted procedures: EsophyX and Stretta. EsophyX, also known as the TIF procedure, is a transoral(i.e. performed through the mouth) incisionless, surgical procedure that is endoscopic assisted and applies suture-like fasteners that bring together esophageal and gastric tissue to remodel the antireflux barrier and gastroesophageal flap valve with a result that is very similar to the formal laparoscopic surgical fundoplication. Learn more about TIF
Treatment for Acid Reflux Disease
• General measures the patient can take to reduce reflux are:
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals.
• Avoid eating before going to bed.
• Eliminate excessive bending, lifting, abdominal exercises, girdles and tight belts, all of which increase abdominal pressure and provoke reflux.
• If overweight, lose weight. Being overweight promotes reflux.
• Eliminate the use of nicotine (cigarettes), fatty foods, alcohol, all coffees (yes-including decaf), chocolate and peppermint.
• Elevate the head of the bed 8" to 10" by placing pillows or a wedge under the upper part of the mattress. In this way, gravity keeps stomach juices out of the esophagus while the patient sleeps. It is not enough to use two pillows under the head.
• Prescription medications - check with the physician regarding side effects of prescription drugs. Some drugs actually lower the strength of the LES muscle. These include anti-spasmotics (Levsin, Librax, Bentyl), calcium channel blocks (Procardia, Cardizem, Calan, Isoptin), anti-depressants (Elavil, Doxepia) and others.
For Acid Reflux Repair
Endoscopic Assisted, Incisionless Therapy For GERD
Endoscopic Assisted Reflux Therapy including EsophyX (TIF) and Stretta are exciting incisonless surgical methods used by Dr. Anthony Starpoli to treat Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This treatment is a breakthrough alternative to life-long medical therapy or invasive and costly surgery.
If you would like to find out more about solving your reflux and heartburn problems using non-invasive, incisionless procedures such as EsophyX (TIF) or Stretta.