Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a life-affecting condition that affects as many as 20% of the population. Given the prevalence of GERD, the quest for suitable treatment methods has been a relentless one— but often to little effect.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
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Obesity, Reflux, fundoplication, atypical reflux, heartburn, EsophyX, incisionless surgery, GERD Awareness Week
Acid reflux, generally stated as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), affecting around one-third of the American population. This disorder arises when the uppermost portion of the digestive region is not working accurately, causing stomach contents to move back into the esophagus. The most common symptoms of this disease is heartburn, the sensation of liquid or food coming up into the throat and a sour taste. The most effective therapy for relieving the symptoms of GERD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as lansoprazole, esomeprazole, and omeprazole. This is a class of medications which have emerged as the most effective therapy, improving life quality, healing and preventing the damage to the esophagus (1). PPIs work by obstructing an enzyme in the lining of the stomach which is essential for acid secretion. Side effects which some patients report comprise a headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea. They usually resolve on their own and patients can usually carry on taking their PPI medication (2). A different, incisionless, transoral endoscopic treatment has been developed to help correct the mechanical flaws of the valve between the lower esophagus and stomach that cause GERD.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
HealthDay reports 78% increased risk of cancer in GERD patients, but simple antacids appear to lower the risk, researchers report
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
So, you think you have acid reflux? What is acid reflux? Why is it called acid reflux?
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
Obesity, GERD, atypical reflux, nonacid reflux, heartburn, EsophyX, incisionless surgery, Barrett's Esophagus
A new laparoscopic therapy for reflux has been recently approved for the treat of reflux. The procedure requires laparoscopic surgery (small incisions in the abdomen) in order to place this new device at the level of the lower esophageal sphincter. Certain limitations will occur as the result of this procedure as will be discussed.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
Reflux, hiatal hernia, TIF, LINX, GERD, atypical reflux, heartburn, EsophyX, Barrett's Esophagus
On September 7th and October 13th, 2011, the first two combined laparoscopic and transoral antireflux procedures were performed at the New York Univerisity Langone Medical Center in New York City.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
Reflux, hiatal hernia, TIF, fundoplication, GERD, LPR, atypical reflux, heartburn, EsophyX, Barrett's Esophagus
Today Dr. Starpoli will be hosted on the Doctor Radio show to discuss GERD and transoral incisionless fundoplication with EsophyX. This procedure serves as an alternative to chronic, long-term drug therapy that millions of people world-wide must take to control their reflux. Given new information on the perils of long-term drug therapy for reflux, antireflux surgery is being more considered every day.
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plastic surgery; emergency room medicine; cancer; heart health; women's health;
dermatology; pediatrics; men's health; diet and nutrition; sports medicine;
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SIRIUSXM and NYU have built a state-of-the-art broadcasting studio
in the lobby of the Manhattan-based NYU Langone Medical Center, bringing
listeners right into the middle of the medical world.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
TIF, doctor radio, GERD, atypical reflux, heartburn, EsophyX, Barrett's Esophagus
Over the last few years, new studies have been released that indicate that the long-term use of PPI drugs to treat GERD may be detrimental to some patients. Most recently, the FDA warned that long-term use of PPI’s can be linked to magnesium depletion. See below:
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
If you have been diagnosed with GERD, you probably have many questions about your diet moving forward. Patients often wonder if they can still eat and drink the foods they enjoy, or if this diagnosis will greatly impact their quality of life. One question that often comes up is if a patient can still drink wine after being diagnosed with reflux. While the answer is basically patient specific, we came across this article which addresses that very question. We hope that you find it helpful.
Which wines are better choices if I have acid reflux?
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
Heartburn is a signature symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a cluster of symptoms and signs associated with regurgitation of stomach acid up to the pharynx and mouth. Patient-based studies of GERD have shown high prevalence and chronicity, particularly in Western societies. GERD is associated with significant health-care utilization and diminished quality of life. Heartburn, coupled with acid regurgitation and painful swallowing are considered to be highly specific for GERD. Very few epidemiological studies have been performed with regard to heartburn, and only one has been population-based. The natural history of GERD or heartburn has received little attention. The pathophysiology of GERD and heartburn is basically unknown.
A research article to be published on February 7, 2011 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The authors evaluated the natural history of heartburn in the Icelandic population prospectively over a 10-year period, as well as to evaluate different factors which are affected by heartburn both physically and sociodemographically.
The study showed heartburn is a common condition in the population of Iceland. The prevalence is slightly higher than reported elsewhere. Heartburn is a chronic condition, affecting every fifth person every week. Heartburn subjects with a body mass index lower or higher than normal weight were more likely to experience heartburn than subjects of normal weight. Heartburn did not seem to result in less food and beverage consumption, but one out of five heartburn subjects did avoid a specific food or alcohol because of the heartburn. Heartburn had a great impact on daily activities and quality of life. Half of the heartburn subjects experienced sleep disturbances because of this condition.
This study creates a database for future studies and hopefully stimulates studies in other countries. Secular prevalence trends and international comparison can contribute towards understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
