McLeod Health: Acid Reflux Gallbladder Disorder

story by Dr. Matthew Jones, McLeod General Surgeon with Pee Dee Surgical Group ACID REFLUX & GALLBLADDER

DISORDER

What is the Difference?

Acid reflux can cause discomfort and pain for those experiencing symptoms. Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, nausea and regurgitation. One of the most common symptoms of gallbladder disorder is abdominal pain or discomfort, often under the rib cage on the right side. This pain can occur right after having a meal and can last from fifteen minutes to several hours. Other symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and nausea. The two can often be confused but knowing the difference between gallbladder disorder and acid reflux can help put you on the path towards quicker relief. Acid reflux is caused by liquid in the stomach backing up into the esophagus. This liquid contains acid and digestive enzymes. The prolonged contact of this liquid with the esophageal lining injures the esophagus and produces a “burning” discomfort. Normally, a valve at the bottom of the esophagus keeps the acid in the stomach. However, in gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, the valve relaxes too frequently, allowing stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus. Everyone occasionally experiences heartburn. However, frequent heartburn (two or more times a week) may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Acid reflux is diagnosed by reviewing the patient's symptoms, taking x-rays or doing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to view the patient's esophagus. In most cases, patients may be treated with over-thecounter medications for acid reflux. In some resistant cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Gallbladder disorder is caused by gallstones, infection, injury and tumors. Physicians can test for problems with the gallbladder through blood and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or HIDA scan, an imaging procedure used to diagnose problems of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. If you are one of the more than 25 million Americans suffering from gallbladder disease, it is important to choose the right foods and eat smaller meals. Foods that are fatty, spicy, acidic or sugary as well as alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

Dr. Matthew Jones performs the full scope of general surgery procedures, including robotic and laparoscopic surgery at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Gallbladder disease is treated by surgically removing the gallbladder (Cholecystectomy). Gallbladder disease can have complications such as pancreatitis, liver disease, increased liver enzymes and jaundice. This is why it is important to treat the symptoms of gallbladder disease before the complications become emergent. If you are concerned about acid reflux or gallbladder disorder, talk to your physician about methods for relief.

Dr. Matthew Jones is a McLeod General Surgeon with Pee Dee Surgical Group. Dr. Jones and the physicians of Pee Dee Surgical Group are accepting new patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (843) 665-7941.

Dr. Matthew Jones