What Is GERD?
Your esophagus is the tube inside your body that carries food from your throat to your stomach. At the end of the tube is a valve that is supposed to open to let food into the stomach, then close to prevent the food from washing back up into the esophagus. In those diagnosed with GERD, this valve does not work correctly.
The contents of your stomach are highly acidic, which is necessary to digest food properly, but this acid causes an uncomfortable burning sensation when it washes back into the esophagus — hence the term “heartburn.” Most everyone has had this sensation at one time or another, due to overeating, doing exercise directly after eating or another reason. But when the symptoms are frequent and chronic, GERD is often diagnosed.
While most symptoms are related to the acid and its accompanying discomfort, some GERD sufferers experience chest pain, trouble swallowing, the sensation that something is stuck in their throat, a cough and persistent bad breath.
Eligibility Criteria:
Participants in this study will receive all study related medical care, examinations, and potential endoscopies (EGD) at no cost to them or their insurance.
If you would like to hear more about this trial, or see if you qualify to participate, please contact us at 801.409.2040. You can also reach us via e-mail or by submitting an interest form in our participate section.
