Heartburn Center
Welcome to the Heartburn Center
At the Heartburn Center, our philosophy is to identify the underlying causes of heartburn and prevent complications through a focus on diet, lifestyle, and careful medical screening. As gastrointestinal specialists, we are dedicated to providing both immediate relief from symptoms and a comprehensive long-term plan.
Heartburn can develop from many different factors, including:
Poor diet
Food sensitivities and trigger foods
Being overweight
Medication side effects
Gastrointestinal irritants
Metabolic disorders
Gut bacterial imbalances
Genetics
Autoimmune diseases
- Hiatal Hernia
Because these causes are often complex and overlapping, we take a personalized approach to evaluating each patient.
The Gastro 360 Philosophy
Our Gastro 360 Philosophy manages heartburn by addressing all potential causes with a strong emphasis on nutrition and lifestyle
Our program consists of three parts:
1. Medical Evaluation – A thorough assessment to identify underlying conditions, medication effects, and warning signs that may contribute to heartburn.
2. Functional Medicine – Targeted testing to uncover gut imbalances, metabolic issues, and other root causes of chronic acid reflux.
3. Nutritional Support – Personalized diet and lifestyle strategies to reduce triggers, improve digestion, and promote long-term relief from heartburn.
HOW IS HEARTBURN DIAGNOSED?
Our evaluation begins with a detailed history of symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. We review medications that could be causing GERD.
Family history can help us identify underlying traits that increase acid production and injury. Researchers have also linked diet, lifestyle, and fitness to heartburn.
Finally, we look for any red flags that may indicate more serious underlying conditions. Red flags or warning signs in heartburn include difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, weight loss, blood in stool, or vomiting blood.
Testing
When we diagnose heartburn and its related conditions, we rely on five tests to guide our evaluation.
Upper endoscopy is a common procedure used to evaluate patients with chronic heartburn and other upper digestive issues. While you are sedated, your doctor advances a fiberoptic scope with a camera through your esophagus into your stomach and small intestine. During the exam, your doctor can identify any significant abnormalities and may take small surface samples or biopsies to check for microscopic changes.
Typical findings include:
Ulcers
Hiatal hernia
Scar tissue or narrowing
Inflammation
Polyps
H. pylori bacteria
Less common findings include:
Barrett’s esophagus
Cancers
Typical findings include:
- Ulcers
- Hiatal Hernia
- Scar Tissue and Narrowing
- Inflammation
- Polyps
- H pylori bacteria
Less common findings include:
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Cancers
In some cases, your doctor may order a fluoroscopic imaging study called a barium swallow. In the radiology suite, you will drink a barium liquid while the technician takes multiple X-ray images to track the flow through your esophagus and stomach. This test can show areas of narrowing, unusual contractions, hernias, or cancerous lesions. You will stay awake for this test. Afterward, the radiologist reviews the images and sends a report with their interpretation to your doctor.radiologist will review the images and send a report to your doctor with interpretation.
A CT scan of the chest and abdomen gives a detailed view of your esophagus and nearby organs, including the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The scan can reveal intestinal narrowing, hernias, tumors, enlarged lymph nodes, and inflammation. Your doctor usually gives CT scans with IV and oral contrast to highlight any hidden abnormalities.the body.
What the Bravo pH Test Does
The Bravo pH test directly measures the amount of acid reflux in the esophagus. Doctors often use it when it is unclear whether heartburn is causing a patient’s symptoms. The test provides concrete proof that acid reflux is occurring.
How the Test Works
Bravo pH testing requires an upper endoscopy. During the procedure, the doctor places a small pH probe in the lower esophagus. For the next 48 hours, the patient wears a monitoring device that records how often acid reaches the probe. Patients also keep a journal to document meals and any episodes of heartburn.
Why Doctors Use It
Doctors use the Bravo pH test for pre-surgical assessment before anti-reflux surgery or hiatal hernia repair. Most insurance companies require the test to confirm the presence of heartburn (GERD).
Bravo testing is also used for pre-surgical assessment prior to an anti-reflux surgery or for repair of a hiatal hernia. The Bravo pH test is required by most insurance companies to prove heartburn (GERD) is present.
Your doctor may order esophageal motility testing at the hospital. During the test, you swallow a specialized nasal catheter that advances into your stomach. The catheter measures pressures in your esophagus while you swallow liquids. This test helps your doctor detect unusual esophageal contractions, hernias, or other abnormalities. Motility testing is also required before anti-reflux surgery.
Motility testing is also a requirement prior to having an anti-reflux surgery.
Functional Medicine – a relatively new field that may play a role in improving health
Gut Microbiome Testing – evaluates the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract to identify imbalances linked to symptoms and overall gut health.
Metabolic Function & Nutrition Testing – measures how well the body processes nutrients and energy, helping to identify deficiencies or metabolic stress.
Food Sensitivity Testing – uncovers foods that may be triggering inflammation, heartburn, or digestive discomfort.
Hormone Testing – reviews hormone levels that may influence digestion, metabolism, stress response, and overall wellness.
HOW IS HEARTBURN TREATED?
Improve Heartburn with Lifestyle Changes
Most patients can greatly improve or even resolve heartburn by making simple lifestyle adjustments. Focus on eating a healthier diet, losing weight if needed, and avoiding trigger foods. However, some patients may need additional treatment if symptoms persist.
First-Line Medications: H2 Blockers
When lifestyle changes are not enough, physicians often recommend an H2 blocker, such as Famotidine (Pepcid). These medications work quickly, relieving symptoms for several hours. H2 blockers are usually the first step in drug therapy for heartburn.
Stronger Relief: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
If H2 blockers do not control symptoms, your physician may suggest a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). PPIs provide stronger, longer-lasting relief and are often used for persistent heartburn.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
Patients with severe heartburn, trouble swallowing, pain, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms lasting more than five years should see a gastroenterologist. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures the right treatment.
Diet and Lifestyle
Poor diet, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are strongly linked to chronic heartburn. Many people find that losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising regularly can resolve their symptoms. Making these changes may also reduce the risk of future cancers.
Certain foods can trigger acid reflux. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is an important step in controlling heartburn.
Reviewing your current diet and habits in detail can help you manage heartburn effectively. Research also shows that nutrient deficiencies may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Our nutrition testing program includes nutrient analysis to detect deficiencies and guide targeted dietary improvements.
Please visit our weight management and nutrition program if you need help getting back on track.
Identifying Medications That Cause Adverse Reactions
Many common medications increase heartburn symptoms. We divide these medications into three main categories:
Direct Irritants – Cause inflammation and injury due to direct contact.
Reduce Protective Mucus Barrier – Lower mucus production, making it easier for acid to harm the lining of the esophagus.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter Pressures – Allow more stomach acid to enter the esophagus.
Please refer to our FAQ page for more information