GERD / Acid Reflux Specialist

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is also known as acid reflux. GERD occurs when acid or other stomach contents invade the esophagus.

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. While GERD is rarely a life-threatening condition, it can significantly reduce your quality of life by affecting daily activities, sleep, and what you can eat.

GERD can also irritate the tissue of your esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. Over time, this may result in complications like bleeding or esophageal narrowing.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

GERD can cause several different symptoms. These may include:

• Heartburn
• Burning pain in the chest that radiates to your neck
• Pain that becomes worse when you’re lying down or bent over
• Heartburn after eating
• Chronic sore throat or hoarse voice
• Asthma attacks
• Pain when swallowing
• Feeling like food sticks in your throat when you eat
• Frequent burping
• Vomiting

In some cases, you might experience symptoms that can be life-threatening if left untreated. These symptoms can include:

• Chest pain during activity
• Unexplained weight loss
• Trouble swallowing or choking while eating
• Vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
• Bloody or black stool

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a Southwest Gastroenterology physician immediately.

How is GERD treated?

In most cases, you initially treat GERD with over-the-counter acid reflux medications. If you continue to experience symptoms while taking these medications, your physician at Southwest Gastroenterology can recommend other treatments, which may include:

Prescription medications

Certain prescription medications reduce the production of acid in the stomach better than over-the-counter products. Your physician might also recommend medications to help strengthen the esophageal sphincter, which can decrease acid reflux.

Surgery

In some cases, your physician might also recommend surgical procedures to tighten or strengthen the esophageal sphincter.

You may also need to address your symptoms through dietary or lifestyle changes that help with acid reflux, such as avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms or eating smaller meals.

To begin healing from GERD, book an appointment with Southwest Gastroenterology using the easy online scheduling tool.