GERD Specialist

What is GERD?

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic condition where you have frequent attacks of heartburn or acid reflux. Heartburn is a burning, painful feeling in your chest from stomach acid entering your esophagus.

If you have GERD, you might taste bitterness in your throat or the back of your mouth and have problems swallowing. GERD symptoms are often worse after eating, when you bend over, and when you lie down.

Why have I got GERD?

GERD develops because of a weakness in your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that allows stomach acid to reflux up your esophagus.

The LES is a ring of muscular tissue that opens when you swallow to let food enter your stomach, then closes to stop anything from leaving. If it isn't working properly, acid can flow back through, causing inflammation of the lining of your esophagus.

The most common reason for this weakness in the LES is being overweight or obese. Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to GERD, such as:

• Tea and coffee
• Fizzy drinks
• Fatty or fried foods
• Spicy foods
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Mint
• Chocolate

Occasional bouts of heartburn after a heavy meal aren't too much to worry about, and you can use over-the-counter antacids to relieve the pain.

If you have GERD, where attacks of acid reflux are frequent and happen over longer periods, it's important to get the right treatment. If you don't, you could eventually develop more serious conditions like Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.

How is GERD treated?

One of the most effective ways to combat GERD is to lose weight, but if you're finding this a challenge, the team at GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, can help. You can also adopt self-help measures to relieve your GERD symptoms.

Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, and don't overload your stomach with large meals. Make sure you sit up after eating and raise the head of your bed to help stop acid flowing up your esophagus when you're lying down. Don't wear tight clothing or belts, stop smoking, and cut down your alcohol consumption.

These steps are often all you need in the way of treatment for GERD. If your symptoms are severe, your provider at GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, can also prescribe medications called proton pump inhibitors that stop your stomach from producing so much acid.

Would I need surgery for GERD?

Patients who don't improve with conservative treatments are often offered Nissen fundoplication surgery for GERD. However, the GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, team uses a non-surgical alternative called transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF).

TIF is an advanced endoscopic procedure. Your provider accesses your LES via a tube that goes down your throat (the endoscope), passing through the TIF device. TIF enables your provider to repair or restore the LES using fasteners, without the need for any incisions.

To benefit from the team's experience in treating GERD, call GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, today or book an appointment online.