The holidays often bring indulgence, but persistent heartburn may signal more than a seasonal issue for your patients. For millions, frequent acid reflux indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition linked to Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.
“Prolonged exposure to stomach acids can change the cellular structure of the esophageal lining, putting Barrett’s sufferers at increased risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma,” says Jason Samarasena, MD, director of advanced endoscopic imaging at the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute.
UCI Health offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options for GERD, including minimally invasive procedures that relieve symptoms, protect against complications, and improve quality of life.