In order to meet this goal, we are constantly reviewing new technologies and treatments. We have been recognized throughout the country for pioneering the use of photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation and mucosal resection for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. In many cases, these therapies can eliminate the need for surgical removal of the esophagus.

We have also been among the first to test the Given capsule, a swallowable “pill” providing video pictures of the small intestine to help visualize and detect disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Leading the way in gastrointestinal research and development is not new to GIA. We have long been on the cutting-edge of developing ways to improve patient care. Our work in outpatient endoscopy led to the development of the first licensed and certified endoscopic ambulatory surgery center in the U.S.

In order to help advance the body of knowledge in gastroenterology throughout our industry, we constantly share our techniques and results with our fellow GI practices. We publish our findings in peer-reviewed journal articles. And we have been one of the co-founders of GI Roundtable, a national two-day conference bringing together more than 250 of the nation’s top gastroenterologists and practice managers to share information on improving health care and strengthening quality measures.

Measuring performance to advance quality care is gaining national attention and again we are setting the standard. Our quality assurance programs provide measurable outcomes that allow us to continually track our performance quality to ensure we are providing the best patient care possible. We consistently rate excellent and our performance measures far exceed the national average.

You can rest assured you will be well cared for by nationally recognized team and caring staff. Through research, technology and quality patient care we are setting the standard in gastrointestinal health care at Gastrointestinal Associates.

About the author:

Dr. Bergein “Gene” Overholt, co-founder and president of Gastrointestinal Associates, is a nationally recognized gastroenterologist who developed the flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope and colonoscope. Overholt’s work on the fiberoptic sigmoidoscope earned him the prestigious Schindler Award from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Heartburn affects many of us. In fact the American Gastroenterological Association reports that more than 60 million Americans experience symptoms at least once each month.

The burning sensation you feel is actually stomach acid splashing up into your esophagus. A valve at the end of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), normally prevents this. But factors such as overeating, pregnancy or even stress can keep the valve from shutting properly. When that happens, stomach acid can be pushed back up into the esophagus, causing pain along with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

Occasional heartburn is normally nothing to worry about and can easily be treated with over-the-counter antacids. However, frequent heartburn may indicate a more serious problem. Over time, stomach acid can damage the wall of the esophagus and, if left untreated, can lead to narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding and trouble swallowing, a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, and even cancer of the esophagus. Prolonged heartburn may also indicate more serious problems such as acid reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, hiatal hernia or peptic ulcer.

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help avoid heartburn:

• Avoid trigger foods such as chocolate; coffee; peppermint; spicy or greasy foods; tomato products; and alcoholic beverages.
• Eat smaller , more frequent meals.
• Don’t go to bed with a full stomach. Give food 2-3 hours to digest before going to bed.
• Stop smoking or using tobacco in any form. Tobacco inhibits saliva, the natural protection for your esophagus and the nicotine in tobacco increases acid secretion and relaxes the LES.
• Shed some pounds. Losing weight can help relieve symptoms.
• Eat high-protein, low-fat meals.
• Drink plenty of water during exercise to keep from being dehydrated.
• Avoid tight clothes and belts.

If you still experience heartburn, antacids usually give fast, short-term relief. Look for antacids that contain both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide to reduce the chance of diarrhea or constipation. If your symptoms worsen when lying down, raising the head of your bed so that your head and chest are higher than you feet may help.

If symptoms persist or occur frequently, speak to your doctor. Continuous heartburn may indicate a serious problem, and sudden chest pain may be mistaken for heartburn when it is really a sign of heart disease. Your physician may suggest prescription medication or testing such as x-rays to check for ulcers, pH tests to check for acid in the esophagus, or endoscopy to look for other conditions. Seek medical attention when the following symptoms occur:

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Vomiting blood
• Black or bloody stools
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheaded or dizziness
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Heartburn more than 2-3 times per week for more than 2 weeks.

If heartburn is becoming a more frequent problem, keep a heartburn record. Track how often you experience the symptoms, what time of day and what you are eating or doing when the symptoms occur. That will help you get a clearer picture of when it is time to seek medical care and help your doctor more effectively diagnose and treat your condition.

Recently, GIA and I participated in a study of one particular treatment of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that can lead to cancer of that organ. The study was published in May of this year in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (PDF, 2.1 mb), and GIA was one of 19 centers across the United States participating in the research. The study showed that radiofrequency ablation (thermal destruction) of abnormal cells eradicated those cells without damaging the esophagus.

Overall, GIA’s participation in research such as this benefits our patients. First, our physicians and staff are involved in and knowledgeable of the latest and best ways to treat your GI condition, allowing us to make even more accurate diagnoses.

Many medical advances help contain the cost of illness, both to the individual and health care provider. Moreover, as research knowledge helps keep people well and employed, their families enjoy a higher standard of living.

Medical advances help patients live longer and with less pain and suffering. Remember when the best option to treat ulcers was surgery? Now, we have new drugs to help control the problem. Remember when a colon polyp had to be removed by surgery? Now we do that through a scope.

Research has uncovered factors in our lifestyles that can help us change risky behavior in order to stay healthy. For example, we have found that a high fiber diet is important to maintaining digestive health.

Cancer screenings such as the colonoscopies we perform regularly at GIA allow us to use early detection to more effectively prevent and treat colon cancer.

Finally, medical research allows patients to become ex-patients and continue to contribute to society to the best of their abilities.

You can find new gastrointestinal treatments and procedures listed elsewhere on this site.

Our gastroenterologists are medical specialists who are broadly trained in internal medicine and who thereafter take special training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system. All GIA physicians are Board certified. We update our knowledge each year in specialized training and at professional meetings, as well as by independent reading.

My fellow physicians and our staff members consider it a privilege to help advance knowledge about digestive medicine and ways to keep people well. I am proud to be associated with our team and be part of the important research in our field.