Most of the population has experienced heartburn or acid reflux on one occasion or another.

But more than 15 million Americans have recurrent acid reflux issues, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which can cause much more than discomfort.

GERD occurs when stomach acid and sometimes bile flows back into the esophagus. The backwash of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn.

Over time, the cells of the lower esophagus become damaged from repeated exposure to stomach acid and a condition called Barrett’s esophagus can occur. In Barrett’s esophagus, the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine.

Only a small percentage of people with GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus, but it’s important for patients with GERD to be treated because the condition increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

For those who do develop Barrett’s esophagus, a procedure by specialists at West Chester Hospital can greatly reduce this risk.

The technology — called HALO — uses radiofrequency ablation via an electrode to burn away the potentially cancerous lining.

The burn can be applied circumferentially to the esophagus or just to smaller areas. 

Previously, the only way to “cure” Barrett’s was through surgery—taking out the portion of the esophagus that was affected and pulling the stomach into the chest—or Photodynamic Therapy, which also involves burning the esophageal lining, but PDT causes a deeper burn, predisposing patients to higher complication rates and possibly leading to severe skin burns.

The new technology is essentially curing the disease with a minimally invasive procedure. 

Regardless of whether or not Barrett’s esophagus develops, if a person experiences heartburn or acid reflux at least twice a week it’s more than likely a sign that he or she has GERD and should seek treatment. Over-the-counter medicines are not usually strong enough to help patients with GERD.

Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, a dry cough, hoarseness or sore throat or a sensation of a lump in the throat.

An appointment with a digestive diseases specialist could greatly improve quality of life for patients with GERD and prevent the development of bigger health problems that may come down the road.

Nathan Schmulewitz, MD, is a UC Health digestive diseases expert and director of gastroenterology at West Chester Hospital. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 475-7505.