Heartburn Treatment Center

UPMC Horizon is the first medical facility in the area to offer a comprehensive heartburn treatment center. The UPMC Horizon Heartburn Treatment Center opened in May 2002.

Patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn, sometimes require treatment, including medication and surgery. Chronic heartburn, when left untreated, can lead to serious complications, including cancer of the esophagus. So a visit to the Heartburn Treatment Center may mean more than relief from that burning in your chest — it could save your life.

Treatment begins with screening by a registered nurse, who oversees treatment from beginning to end. The nurse will review possible risk factors and develop therapy and diet modification for the patient.

Tests and treatments available at the Heartburn Treatment Center include:

• Upper endoscopy (PDF file), which evaluates the condition of the tissue in the esophagus and stomach to determine if more images or biopsies need to be taken
• A pH level test over a 24-hour period to confirm the presence of abnormal gastroesophageal reflux
• Esophageal manometry (PDF file), which determines the pressure within the esophagus
• Minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Heartburn Treatment Center, contact us.

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