GERD Specialist

What is GERD?

GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease, is a condition that occurs when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus, irritating its lining and causing unpleasant symptoms.

While acid reflux can happen to anyone from time to time, GERD occurs frequently or is severe. Treatment with Advanced Surgeons offers you relief from heartburn and other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

Common symptoms linked with GERD include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Lump-like feeling in your throat
• Regurgitation of food or liquid
• Ongoing cough
• Laryngitis
• Difficulty sleeping
• Worsening or new asthma

Complications that can happen with untreated GERD include esophageal sores, narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue, and precancerous changes to your esophagus. 

Is obesity a risk factor for GERD?

If you are overweight or obese, it increases your chances of developing GERD. Other conditions that may boost your risk of GERD and its symptoms include:

• Hiatal hernias
• Pregnancy
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Connective tissue disorders
• Smoking
• Very large meals
• Eating large meals late at night
• Drinking alcohol or coffee
• Taking certain medicines
• Eating fatty, fried, or other trigger foods

Adopting healthy habits, including healthy weight management, is the best way to reduce your risk of GERD.

How does my doctor diagnose GERD?

To diagnose GERD and develop an effective treatment, your doctor discusses your medical history and symptoms. 

They complete a physical exam and often order diagnostic tests, such as upper endoscopy, acid probe tests, X-rays, or additional tests, to detect or rule out underlying causes of your symptoms. 

What is the treatment for GERD?

Common GERD treatments include:

Medications

Taking over-the-counter or prescription medicines can reduce GERD symptoms and offer you relief. 

Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms linked with GERD. Examples include weight loss, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and elevating the head of your bed. Don’t lie down after meals, eat food slowly, and avoid foods and drinks that trigger GERD, such as tomato sauce, alcohol, fried foods, and fatty foods.

Medical weight loss

Medical weight loss treatments available at Advanced Surgeons include meal and menu plans, dietary supplements, weight loss surgery, hormone treatments, weight loss medications, support groups, nutrition education, and more.

Other surgeries

Additional minimally invasive surgeries can tighten tissues at the junction of your esophagus and stomach to offer relief from heartburn and other GERD symptoms.

To lose weight and reduce symptoms of GERD, call the Advanced Surgeons office or schedule an appointment online today.