Acid Reflux & Peptic Ulcer Treatments - Houston, TX
Acid Reflux Disease (also known as GERD-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Many patients are not familiar with acid reflux disease and potential consequences, even though it afflicts millions of individuals. This disease is the condition where the degree of exposure of esophageal mucosa to gastric contents is greater than normal. Acid Reflux (GERD) is a chronic problem and may need lifelong acid reflux treatment to prevent relapses.
There are several symptoms associated with Acid Reflux (GERD);
regurgitation, dysphagia, hoarseness, chronic cough, laryngitis, ENT
infections, but the most common symptom is heartburn.
Dr. Charafeddine can assess your acid reflux symptoms and provide medical advice and acid reflux disease treatment options. Along with any prescribed medication, lifestyle and dietary changes may also be recommended to help minimize your symptoms and improve your health.
Barrett’s Esophagus is an esophagus that has been damaged from long term exposure to stomach acid. Over time, continued exposure to stomach acid changes the cells lining of the lower esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus is most common in older adults and diagnosed on average at age 55 (this condition is twice as common in men).
If Barrett’s Esophagus goes untreated, there is an increased risk of developing dysphagia and esophageal cancer.
If you are suffering or experiencing symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease, there are several symptoms that maybe an indication of Barrett’s Esophagus: trouble swallowing, bloody vomit, bloody or black stool, weight loss (due to loss of appetite).
Dr. Charafeddine can diagnose Barrett’s Esophagus with an upper GI
endoscopy. In performing this procedure, the doctor is able to see the lining of the esophagus. If the doctor should notice a change in the
lining of the esophagus, he will remove a small tissue sample to further
examine. Barrett’s Esophagus can’t be cured but it can be treated.
Most likely, Dr. Charafeddine will recommend both medication and lifestyle changes.
A Peptic Ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer, of the duodenum, a duodenum ulcer, and of the esophagus, and esophageal ulcer. Most of the time, peptic ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). The peptic ulcer develops when the lining of the organ is corroded by digestive acids and juices from the stomach. Peptic ulcers are quite common. Approximately 5 million people are diagnosed each year with this type of ulcer in the United States alone. Ulcers can develop at any age, but are rare among teenagers and even rarer in children.
The most common symptom of a Peptic Ulcer is a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and navel which often occurs between meals and early morning hours. Other symptoms that are less common: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of weight, bleeding from ulcer.
Dr. Charafeddine can perform several tests to detect the presence of the bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Barium x-rays (also referred to as a Barium Swallow) is another procedure that examines the esophagus and stomach to identify ulcers. Most ulcers can be treated and cured with medications, including antibiotics. In some cases surgery may be recommended and required.