Skip to main content
Fairfield Medical Center Single Color Logo
Browse Additional Resources

Heartburn Solutions That Are Easy to Swallow Experience Help for Chronic Acid Reflux

FMC-Patient-and-spouseEveryone has experienced heartburn once or twice in their lives, but for some the pain and discomfort of chronic acid reflux is an every day reality. The good news is that this condition has a name – gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – and it is treatable. The Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center is here to help you develop a treatment plan that is customized to fit your needs and lifestyle. With the help of education and state-of-the-art technology, we can diagnose your symptoms and get you moving on the right path to recovery.

To learn more about the Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center or to schedule an appointment, call us at 740-689-6486.

Understanding GERD

Heather Luttrell, Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center Coordinator, explains the importance of treating and managing GERD. Free consultations are available without referral — schedule today by calling 740-689-6486.

Watch Video 
Woman with hand on chest

Heartburn Symptoms

While symptoms of acid reflux are common, these issues may affect your quality of life or be misunderstood. Find out if your symptoms could be related to an ongoing problem with GERD.

Female heartburn patient with antacids she no longer needs

Alternatives to Medication

While over-the-counter medications can be effective in controlling GERD symptoms by reducing the production of acid, these do not stop reflux. If your reflux medication has stopped working, or if you’re interested in learning about other treatment options, we can help. 

Heartburn Testing

When it comes to treating heartburn symptoms, it is extremely important to first confirm a GERD diagnosis. There are a number of diagnostic tests that will help your healthcare provider gain a better understanding of your specific treatment needs.

Smiling man in uniform sitting at table with arms crossed

Barrett's Esophagus

Over time, reflux can transform or change the lining of the esophagus. This change is called Barrett’s esophagus and is a common precursor to esophageal cancer. 

Two Women eating Healthy Meal In Kitchen

Heartburn Treatment

There are a number of ways to treat GERD symptoms and give you back control over your life. Our Heartburn Center providers can walk you through both non-surgical and surgical options.

Senior cancer patient having vitals checked by provider

Esophageal Cancer

One of the fastest increasing cancer diagnoses in the United States, esophageal cancer often begins with persistent heartburn or GERD, although some patients may not experience any symptoms. As with many cancers, esophageal cancer has a better prognosis if the cancer is caught early. 

Male doctor visiting a woman at bed

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a malfunction of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. When this occurs, stomach contents, including acid, flow up into the esophagus resulting in an unpleasant sensation – what many people call heartburn or reflux. The esophagus, unlike the stomach, does not have a protective lining, so when it is exposed to the acid, it can become inflamed and painful.

Certain eating and drinking habits are commonly known triggers for GERD. Your symptoms may be affected by a variety of contributing factors, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Being overweight
  • Consuming certain foods, such as: citrus, chocolate, fatty foods, or spicy foods
  • Caffeine
  • Overeating
  • Smoking

While some may brush it off as “just a little heartburn,” acid reflux that occurs on a frequent basis should not be ignored. Untreated GERD can worsen over time, causing inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, a narrowing of the esophagus or bleeding. GERD also can lead to esophageal cancer.

Young woman in restaurant eating pasta

Think You’re Having a Problem with Acid Reflux?

You’re not alone. In fact, more than 61 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and 15 million have heartburn every day. And although GERD is this common, it often goes unrecognized and its symptoms misunderstood.

If you suspect acid reflux, look for:

  • Persistent heartburn
  • Acid regurgitation
  • Chest pain
  • Morning hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Dry cough

If your heartburn symptoms are affecting your daily life, or if medication is the only thing controlling your symptoms, it is time to investigate. Contact the Heartburn Center at 740-689-6486 to learn more.

Woman at table eating meal with family

When Antacids Can’t Relieve Your Heartburn, We Can

As one of the leading heartburn centers in Ohio, we provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and comprehensive treatment to patients suffering from GERD symptoms. Our nurse coordinator and team of multidisciplinary physicians use a collaborative approach to educate, diagnose and treat our patients.

In addition to free one-on-one consultations with our specially trained nurse coordinator, we also provide:

  • State-of-the-art diagnostic testing and therapies
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Comprehensive patient education programs, including recommended lifestyle changes and medications
  • Anti-reflux surgery (LINX® procedure and Nissen fundoplication)

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center’s nurse coordinator at 740-689-6486.

Experience Coordinated Care

Jeffrey Yenchar, MD
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
View Profile 
Margaret Sawyer, MD
General Surgery
View Profile 
David Hasl, MD
David Hasl, MD
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
View Profile 
Scott Johnson, MD
Scott Johnson, MD
General Surgery, Robotic Surgery
View Profile 
David Robertson, MD
General Surgery
View Profile 
Heather Luttrell, RN, BSN
Heather Luttrell, RN, BSN
Heartburn
View Profile 
View All Providers

Hear From Our Patients

Fairfield Medical Center
Preventative Measures

A new DNA test offered at the Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center is helping patients such as Bill Maffit identify health issues that could lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated.

Read More
EsoGuard: Simple Test to Detect Dangerous Esophageal Changes

For patients who are at higher-risk for esophageal cancer and may or may not experience heartburn occasionally, EsoGuard is a good screening tool to check for abnormal cells.

Read More
Fairfield Medical Center
You Are What You Eat

If you suffer from acid reflux, you likely know what foods are safe to eat – and which ones can ruin your day. Learn more about managing your reflux symptoms through smart eating habits.

Read More