Am I Suffering From Acid Reflux?

Do you dread lying down at night or going out to dinner, wondering when that next bout of heartburn will hit? You’re not alone. For millions, acid reflux is more than just occasional discomfort—it’s a recurring problem that disrupts daily life.

At Suncoast Surgical Associates, we help patients across Tampa Bay understand what reflux really is, what else it might be, and how to fix it—for good.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid escapes the stomach and enters the esophagus due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The most common symptom is heartburn, a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often after meals or when lying down.

You may also experience:

  • A sour taste in the mouth

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Chronic cough or hoarseness

  • Regurgitation

When symptoms become frequent or severe, it may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more serious condition requiring medical attention (Fuchs & Broderick, 2020).

What Can Be Mistaken for Acid Reflux?

Many patients assume heartburn equals reflux. But several conditions can mimic or coexist with GERD, including:

  • Esophageal motility disorders (like achalasia)

  • Functional heartburn (no physical damage, but similar symptoms)

  • Barrett’s esophagus or even esophageal cancer

  • Gastroparesis

  • Cardiac conditions

Misdiagnosis is common—especially in patients who don't respond to standard medications (Soll & Fass, 2003), (Liu et al., 2022).

How Do You Know It’s GERD?

If your symptoms are mild and infrequent, your doctor may first suggest:

  • Avoiding trigger foods

  • Elevating the head of your bed

  • Over-the-counter medications

But for persistent or severe symptoms, diagnosis typically includes:

  • Upper endoscopy

  • Esophageal pH monitoring

  • Manometry to assess muscle function

These tools help us rule out other causes and confirm GERD (Lo & Mashimo, 2017), (Ebell, 2010).

Should I Be Concerned About PPI Medications?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often prescribed to reduce acid production. While effective in the short term, long-term use has risks:

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Increased risk of infection

  • Acid rebound when stopped

Even more importantly, PPIs treat symptoms, not the mechanical problem causing reflux (Durazzo et al., 2020), (Micic & Kavitt, 2016).

How Can You Cure Reflux Long-Term?

If lifestyle changes and medication haven’t worked, it’s time to consider procedures that restore the integrity of your LES. At Suncoast Surgical Associates, we offer:

1. LINX® Procedure

A magnetic ring placed around the esophagus that opens during swallowing but resists acid reflux.

2. TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)

An endoscopic procedure that repairs the valve between the esophagus and stomach—no external incisions required.

3. Nissen Fundoplication

The traditional surgical gold standard: the top of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to tighten the LES.

These options are ideal for patients looking to reduce or eliminate long-term medication use and treat the root cause of GERD (Liu et al., 2022).

Why Suncoast Surgical Associates?

At Suncoast Surgical Associates, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care. Our reflux specialists are highly trained in:

  • Diagnostic testing (endoscopy, manometry, pH studies)

  • Advanced GERD procedures (LINX, TIF, Nissen)

  • Minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Works Cited (APA Style)

  • Fuchs, K. H., & Broderick, R. C. (2020). Symptom spectrum in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Link

  • Soll, A. H., & Fass, R. (2003). GERD: Presentation and diagnostic challenges. Link

  • Liu, J., & Chen, M. (2022). Advances in diagnosis and surgical management of GERD. Link

  • Lo, W. K., & Mashimo, H. (2017). Establishing the diagnosis of GERD: When to test. Link

  • Ebell, M. H. (2010). Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease. Link

  • Durazzo, M., & Cicerchia, F. (2020). Extraesophageal presentation of GERD and long-term PPI issues. Link

  • Micic, D., & Kavitt, R. T. (2016). Diagnostic approaches to GERD and PPI failure. Link

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