Earache, or pain in the ear, is common and can occur in both children and adults. Earaches can be due to a problem with the ear or structures close to the ear. The pain may be dull, sharp, or burning and can occur in one or both ears. It may be constant or come and go.

Dysphagia means that you can’t swallow well. Dysphagia is not a diagnosis; it is the symptom. Many factors may cause dysphagia, and most are temporary and non-life-threatening. In uncommon situations, swallowing difficulties can be related to a tumor or a nerve system disorder. It happens to people of all ages, but more often in the elderly. If swallowing is difficult on a regular basis, you should see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist.

The bone and cartilage that divides the inside of the nose in half is called the nasal septum. The bone and cartilage are covered by a special skin called a mucous membrane that has many blood vessels in it. Ideally, the left and right nasal passageways are equal in size. However, it is estimated that as many as 80 percent of people have a nasal septum that is off-center. This is called a deviated septum, which may or may not cause certain symptoms.

Do you get a spinning vertigo or dizziness sensation in certain head positions? For example, turning to a particular side when you’re lying in bed, or lying flat on your back without any pillows to support you, or tilting your head back to look up, or tilting your head down as if to tie your shoes? Is it severe, feeling like it lasts several minutes when it probably only lasts a few seconds?

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud to announce athletic trainers, Jeff Haufschild and Michelle Leitheiser are now a part of our team. They serve Arrow athletes full time and are supported by Physical Therapists at Prairie Lakes. See these Prairie Lakes Sports Medicine team members supporting athletes at local games and events (pictured).

• Jeff Haufschild, Athletic Trainer
• Michelle Leitheiser, Athletic Trainer
• Eric Fjeldheim, Physical Therapist
• Stacey Thury, Physical Therapist
• Tyler Turbak, Physical Therapist

Whether you compete as a student athlete or play summer-league softball, physical activity is an essential part of a healthy life. Keeping yourself in good physical condition is an important part of competing in sports and enjoying recreation activities. Our therapists focus on the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and impairments that can affect the physically active individual. Treatment can include prescribed fitness programs, equipment recommendations and sport-specific rehabilitation work to restore the body.

Treasurer

During a consultation with Dr. Gerrish or Dr. Schaeffer you can discuss your symptoms and next steps to manage your acid reflux.  Next steps could include diagnostic testing to find the best, personalized treatment option. Treatments include nonsurgical options like acid-reducing medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes and surgical solutions, including the innovative LINX system. 

LINX Reflux Management System

The LINX® System is a treatment option for patients with chronic acid or GERD. It is a small, flexible ring of magnetic, titanium beads placed around a patient’s existing weak esophageal sphincter. The beads pull together to inhibit reflux by helping to close the esophageal sphincter and restore the body’s natural reflux barrier. For eating, swallowing, belching, or vomiting, the beads expand and separate to allow passage.

LINX is placed around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) during a minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure, patients are placed under general anesthesia and LINX is placed. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour and patients are discharged either the same or next day and can resume a normal diet.

You’ve exhausted over-the-counter remedies.
You’re running out of things to eliminate from your diet.
You don’t know what else to do, but you’re tired of treating the symptoms.
You just want your reflux gone.

When should I see a doctor?

Heartburn symptoms are very common in the U.S. and many may feel like taking antacids daily is simply a part of life. If you suffer from chronic heartburn or similar symptoms, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as acid reflux. GERD happens when food and liquid from the stomach moves back up into the esophagus, causing irritation.

Reflux Symptoms:

• Heartburn or burning in the chest
• Regurgitation (food coming back up)
• Long term, daily use of antacids
• Chest pain
• Nausea after eating
• Sour taste in mouth
• Coughing, choking, or wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hiccups
• Belching or burping excessively
• Hoarseness or change in voice
• Sore throat
• Feeling that food is stuck behind the breastbone

If you want to take control of your symptoms, consultations with acid reflux specialists Dr. Greg Gerrish and Dr. Jacob Schaeffer are available. During your appointment, you can discuss your options, including diagnostic testing to better manage your treatment.

Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Gerrish or Dr. Schaeffer by calling the General Surgery Clinic at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic: 605-882-6864.

Learn more:

Diagnostic Services  Reflux Treatment