St. Francis Heartburn Center
The St. Francis Heartburn Treatment Center offers a full range of services to identify and treat gastroesophageal problems, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) that cause chronic heartburn and swallowing difficulties.
Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. In this condition,
acid flows (refluxes) back up into the esophagus from the stomach and
may cause irritation. Acid may reflux because the muscle that acts like
a valve between the esophagus and stomach is weak.
Symptoms
Do you have any of these symptoms? If so, you may be experiencing GERD:
- Frequent burning in the chest or throat?
- Problems sleeping after eating?
- Frequent indigestion after meals?
- Frequent hoarseness of the throat?
- Asthma?
- Difficulty swallowing?
- Chronic cough?
- Night time cough?
Treatments
Treatments for GERD may include:
- antacids
- prescription medication
- lifestyle changes
- surgical interventions
Services
Referrals to a Gastroenterologist
A doctor specializing in problems or diseases of the GI tract-including stomach and intestines.
Esophageal Motility Study
A test to measure the strength and function of the esophagus. A small tube (catheter) is passed through the nose into the stomach and slowly withdrawn. This catheter records pressure readings.24-Hour Esophageal pH Monitoring
A small tube (catheter) is passed through the nose into the esophagus and connected to a recording device, which will record the amount, severity, and length of time acid refluxes back into the esophagus during a 24-hour period.
Gastroenterology Lab (GI Lab) Services
Your doctor may order some specific tests for you to be performed in the GI Lab. This may include a test in which a doctor may insert a scope and visualize the esophagus and stomach. GI services are offered at ST. FRANCIS downtown and ST. FRANCIS eastside.
Surgical Consultations
Consultations may be suggested with a surgeon to perform a surgery called a fundoplication. During this surgery the lower esophageal valve is tightened by wrapping a small part of the stomach around the lower esophageal muscle. This should prevent stomach acid from refluxing back into the esophagus and causing heartburn.