M E M 0 R t A L H E R M A M N M E M 0 R I A I CITY MEDICAL CENTER Heartburn Treatment Program An estimated one-third of the U.S. population suffers with heartburn and other s}mrptoms caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at least twice per week, and 25 million suffer from heartburn on a daily basis. In the Houston area, it is estimated that approximately 375,000 people suffer from chronic heartbiu-n. Many don't find rehef through standard treatments. Memorial Hermann Memorial City^ Medical Center's Heartburn Treatment Program is dedicated to helping people who suffer from chronic GERD. We offer comprehensive evahiations and treatments for GERD, combined with the latest in diagnostic technology and personalized service. Symptoms of GERD GERD is o]ie of the most familiar of all digestive disorders. It occurs due to a malfunction of the valve that connects the stomach and esophagus (swallowing tube), allowing stomach contents, including acid, to back up abnormally or "refhrx" into the esophagus. GERD affects approximately 30 percent of the jjopulation, many of whom suffer severe symptoms, incluchng: Chest pain Cough Difficulty swallowdng Heartburn Hoarseness Regurgitation Sore throat Worsening asthma GERD is a lifelong disease that usually progresses in severity over the years and its treatment must be delivered with this in mind. GERD Team The Heartburn Treatment Program offers access to a multidisciplinary team of affiliated physicians including gastroenterologists, pathologists and general surgeons. They w^ork collaboratively to re\dew each case and make a recommendation on the best treatment option for each individual patient. Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation It is very important for GERD sufferers to undergo a thorough evaluation and understand the treatment options available to them. The Heartburn Treatment Program's coordinated approach encompasses all aspects of a w^orld-class GERD evaluation. We provide a \dsual, microscopic, physiologic and functional evaluation of GERD and the esophagus. Testing is coordinated in a specific sequence and time frame. (over) Memorial City