Heartburn and reflux
Treatment for heartburn and acid reflux in Florida
You may find yourself needing to constantly take medication and battle the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
With our robust network of specialists, HCA Florida Healthcare's hospitals offer digestive specialists across the state. They are a collaborative network of experts who are devoted to caring for your gastric health needs. At our digestive health centers, they work together to provide you with a streamlined and comprehensive approach to your care.
Related Specialties
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The difference between heartburn, acid reflux and GERD
Heartburn, acid reflux and GERD are often used interchangeably. However, even though they relate to each other, they are different from one another. These conditions and their relationship are as follows:
- What is acid reflux? This is the process of stomach acid refluxing back into the esophagus and indicates a structural problem with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
- What is GERD? This is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. A GERD diagnosis indicates that a patient is experiencing acid reflux more than two times per week on a consistent basis.
- What is heartburn? This term refers to a burning sensation in the chest, but it is actually taking place in the esophagus, not the heart. Heartburn is not a condition, but rather a common symptom of both acid reflux and GERD.
Diagnostic testing services we offer for heartburn
Our gastroenterology services include comprehensive GI diagnostics. Using these tests, your doctor can better understand your heartburn and reflux symptoms and their effects on your body. GI testing options we offer include:
Capsule-based pH monitoring
This is a wireless capsule implanted just above your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It allows you to go on with normaRl daily activities without the tube inside your nose, while we are able to obtain 24 to 48 hours' worth of data measuring the acid exposure to the esophagus.
The wireless capsule transmits information to a receiver that you clip on your clothing. During the day, you press a button on the receiver when you are having symptoms. This enables us to correlate moments of acid reflux with symptoms.
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Acid reflux and GERD surgery
There are times when the underlying cause of GERD cannot be resolved with medications or other noninvasive treatments. In these cases, we offer specialized surgical options, including Nissen fundoplication and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF).
If your gastroenterologist suggests GERD surgery, they will discuss with you which option will be effective for your unique condition. Often, we are able to use minimally invasive procedures to treat GERD. Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery, allow our surgeons to make very small incisions, which typically result in a faster recovery for you.
Our teams will be with you throughout your surgical experience — from preoperative care to recovery — to ensure you feel secure and well-informed throughout your treatment.
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