Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you’re constantly dealing with heartburn or that uncomfortable throat burn, you know how disruptive GERD can be. Left alone, it can actually cause serious damage over time. At Advanced Houston Surgical, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all fixes. We work with you to find a personalized treatment that finally brings lasting relief.

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that develops when stomach acid frequently flows backward into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This repeated acid exposure can irritate and damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Common Symptoms of GERD

Living with GERD is exhausting because it disrupts everything from eating your favorite foods to getting a good night’s sleep. Everyone experiences it a bit differently, with symptoms ranging from an occasional annoyance to severe, daily pain.

  • Frequent heartburn
  • Acid regurgitation or a sour taste in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chest discomfort or pain
  • Chronic cough
  • Hoarseness or sore throat
  • A feeling of a lump in the throat
  • Nausea

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Advanced Houston Surgical for personalized treatment and guidance.

Treatment Options for GERD

The main goal of managing GERD is to stop the painful symptoms and keep your esophagus healthy so you can enjoy day-to-day life again. Depending on how bad your reflux is, we can usually fix it using simple habit changes, daily medications, or sometimes a quick surgical procedure.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Managing your reflux often starts right at home. A lot of our patients get real relief just by eating smaller portions and staying away from foods that trigger their symptoms. Another easy trick is staying upright for a bit after meals instead of heading right to bed. Taking steps to maintain a healthy weight can also relieve pressure on your stomach and stop acid from backing up.

Medications

If you need extra help controlling the burn, medication is often the next step. Simple antacids are perfect for quick relief right when you feel symptoms starting. For long-term acid control, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to reduce stomach acid production throughout the day.

Surgical Treatment

For persistent reflux that refuses to go away, a quick surgical procedure can offer a permanent solution. Using minimally invasive techniques, we can strengthen the natural barrier between your stomach and esophagus. This keeps the acid exactly where it belongs and provides the lasting comfort you have been looking for.

FAQs

What foods can trigger GERD symptoms?

The most common causes are eating spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeine, sodas, and alcohol.

Can untreated GERD cause complications?

Yes. Untreated GERD may lead to esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and other complications that can affect long-term digestive health.

How is GERD diagnosed?

GERD is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including upper endoscopy, pH measurement, and esophageal manometry.

What Our Patients Are Saying

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Find Lasting Relief from GERD

If you are tired of dealing with constant heartburn and letting acid reflux ruin your meals, we can help. At Advanced Houston Surgical, we look at what is actually causing your symptoms so we can help you find a real fix. You deserve to live without the daily discomfort. Give us a call at (713) 263 3900 to chat about your options and get your life back.

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