Does your summer barbecue have an unwanted visitor? For many people, spicy foods, fresh fruit and cocktails—staples of any festive backyard picnic—can trigger heartburn. Some individuals find short-term relief with antacids, but others experience severe cases of acid reflux that just won’t quit.
If heartburn keeps you up at night or returns despite medications, it may be time to dig deeper. Let’s unpack the difference between heartburn, acid reflux and GERD, and explore why medications don’t always work. Then, we’ll reveal a new minimally invasive treatment option available at Northwest Digestive Center in North Idaho that can provide long-term relief.
Heartburn vs. acid reflux vs. GERD: What’s the difference?
While often used interchangeably, heartburn, acid reflux and GERD have specific meanings.
- Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward (up into the stomach instead of down into the small intestines).
- Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. It has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, it’s a symptom of acid reflux, caused when corrosive stomach acid inflames the lining of the esophagus (called esophagitis). Heartburn is incredibly common; more than 60 million Americans experience it once a month.
- GERD is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a condition that causes acid reflux to occur more often. People who experience uncomfortable heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. Other symptoms include having to sit up to reduce reflux at night and having reflux persistently after eating rich foods or drinking caffeine or alcohol. About 20% of all people nationwide have GERD.
Not all cases of acid reflux are alike. Some cause heartburn. Others cause different symptoms, including chronic cough, hoarseness, throat clearing, a sore throat, or the sensation of a lump in the throat. These symptoms may indicate laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), called the “silent reflux.”
Medications to treat reflux: antacids, H2 blockers and PPIs
First-line treatments for acid reflux include various types of medications.
- Antacids may provide short-term relief and are available over the counter (OTC). Many, like Tums and Rolaids, have calcium carbonate as an active ingredient, which may neutralize stomach acid.
- H2 blockers, also called H2 receptor agonists, are available OTC but can also be prescribed by a doctor in higher doses. Examples include famotidine (Pepcis) and cimetidine (Tagemet). They’re designed to reduce stomach acid and provide longer-term relief than antacids.
- PPIs are Proton Pump Inhibitors. Examples include omeprazole (Prevacid, Prilosed) and esomeprazole (Nexium). PPIs block the proton pump, a protein in the stomach lining that secretes acid. They’re available OTC and, in higher doses, with a prescription from your doctor.
While PPIs are designed to bring longer-term relief, they’re not a permanent fix. Studies show that PPIs fail to control symptoms in 30% to 40% of patients. Additional research links long-term PPI use to other health conditions, including chronic kidney disease.
The TIF procedure: Fixing the root cause of acid reflux
Finding a long-term fix for GERD starts by understanding what causes it in the first place. The source of the problem lies within the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), also called the gastroesophageal valve, located between the esophagus and stomach.
When working properly, the LES blocks the backward flow of stomach acid. But when the gastroesophageal valve weakens or relaxes inappropriately, corrosive acid escapes, causing reflux and damaging the lining of the esophagus.
In the past, invasive surgery was the only way to repair the LES. Today, a procedure available locally, called Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), offers significant relief from GERD and LPR with no external incisions or scars.
How TIF works
The TIF procedure is performed through the mouth using a flexible device equipped with a camera. During the surgery, your doctor uses the device to create and fasten several folds of tissue around the LES, essentially restoring its natural shape and effectiveness.
Because TIF wraps the LES partially (between 270 and 300 degrees), most patients retain their ability to belch and vomit as normal after surgery. This isn’t always the case with traditional, more invasive surgical approaches like Nissen fundoplication, which wraps the LES entirely (360 degrees).
TIF is safe and effective, with 82% of patients reporting improvement of symptoms like heartburn and discontinuation of daily PPIs. Because it is minimally invasive, TIF also offers less scarring and quicker recovery than traditional surgeries. Most people return to normal activities within a few days following the procedure, while full healing typically takes between four-to-six weeks.
Who can benefit from TIF?
You may qualify for TIF if you:
- Have GERD, LPR, or a hiatal hernia
- Haven’t found relief through PPIs or don’t want to take PPIs regularly anymore
- Are not eligible or do not want other, more invasive surgical treatments for GERD, such as Nissen fundoplication
A gastroenterologist will evaluate you and perform diagnostic testing to determine each patient’s specific eligibility.
Where to find relief for chronic heartburn in North Idaho
Every surgery brings potential benefits and risks, which is why you should seek advice from gastroenterologists you trust. Northwest Digestive Center in Post Falls offers the most comprehensive digestive care in North Idaho, led by experienced doctors who understand how to address the root cause of GERD and other digestive conditions.
The center’s Reflux/Heartburn Program offers multiple leading-edge treatments for acid reflux, including the TIF procedure, Nissen fundoplication, and Laparoscopic Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (LINX), which prevents reflux by placing a small ring of magnetic beads around the LES.
Other conditions treated by the program’s team include:
- Swallowing disorders like achalasia
- Gastroparesis
- Hiatal hernias
- Peptic ulcers
- Esophageal and gastric cancer
- Pre-cancerous conditions like Barrett’s esophagus.
The program also treats obesity-related GI problems, including bariatric revisionary surgery.
If you’re ready to take charge of your digestive health, make an appointment with us today. Call 208-262-0945.