Whether you have mild, moderate or severe heartburn, many treatment options are available. The first treatment your physician will discuss with you are lifestyle changes. These are changes you can make in your daily life to hopefully decrease the frequency and severity of your heartburn.

There are many medications available for you. Some medications can be purchased without a prescription and some cannot. Some medications work alike and some don't. Depending on your symptoms, you and your physician can discuss which would be best for you.

The medicines available include:

• Antacids
• H-2-receptor blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Prokinetic agents

In some cases, the best option may be anti-reflux surgery. Because of the effectiveness of medications, surgery for GERD is not usually a primary option for treatment. However, it may be an option if you can't tolerate the medications, you can't afford their long-term use or your doctor determines that the medications are ineffective. Your doctor also may recommend surgery if you have any of these complications:

• Large hiatal hernia
• Severe esophagitis, especially with bleeding
• Recurrent narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus
• Barrett's esophagus, especially with progressive precancerous or cancerous changes
• Severe pulmonary problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, due to acid reflux

The most common procedure is a minimally invasive surgery called a Nissen fundoplication. This can be done through laparoscopic surgery by a surgeon and may necessitate an overnight hospital stay.

Quality Treatment at Rex Hearburn Center

The specialized physicians and nurses at the Rex Heartburn Center have years of experience in treating heartburn. Our nurse coordinator will personally assist you in accessing health information pertinent to your situation.

Based on an initial questionnaire and interview, our coordinator will offer an appropriate physician referral and set up the appointment for you. Our coordinator will also provide ongoing attention throughout your treatment and be available to address any questions or concerns you have.

Rex Heartburn Center physicians will allow you easy and timely access into their schedules, assess your symptoms and discuss test and treatment options with you.

If you need testing, Rex Hospital has the latest technology required for a full and complete workup. Our coordinator will personally schedule tests convenient to your schedule, make your testing experience as easy as possible, and expedite your physician's access to the results.

Click here for Referral Questionnaire.
Download the Heartburn Patient Handbook.

Contact Us

Rex Heartburn Center
Phone: (919) 784-BURN (2876)
Fax: (919) 784-7532
heartburncenter@rexhealth.com