Reflux, Heartburn and Indigestion
When complex upper gastrointestinal disease does not resolved with lifestyle changes and standard medical therapy, specialized care is needed.
At the University of Maryland Medical Center, our heartburn and indigestion physicians and staff provide a variety of diagnostic and treatment approaches for the management of upper gastrointestinal disorders including:
- GERD and LPR
- Barrett's esophagus
- Peptic ulcers
- Esophageal motility disorders, a type of swallowing disorder
Diagnostic tests performed in the UM Digestive Health Center include:
- Endoscopy - including capsule endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound
- Esophageal manometry - a test that detects issues with movement and pressure inside the esophagus
- Ambulatory pH monitoring - a test that measures how often stomach acid enters the esophagus
- Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH monitoring - a test that can diagnose GERD
Reflux Recommendations
Most patients are advised to avoid certain foods and behaviors that increase the risk of reflux. Foods that can worsen heartburn and reflux should be avoided and include:
- Chocolate
- Coffee and tea
- Peppermint
- Alcohol
- Fatty foods
- Acidic juices (orange or tomato)
- Carbonated beverages
Behaviors that can worsen reflux include eating meals or snacks just prior to going to bed, lying down after eating meals and eating very large meals. Place bricks or blocks under the head of the bed (to raise it by about six inches). This helps keep acid in the stomach while sleeping.