Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Services

GERD Services

People who have GERD live with discomfort throughout their daily lives. This is due to their chronic digestive condition, which negatively affects their sleep quality and overall well-being. In Johns Creek, Georgia, visiting a doctor when you have GERD symptoms can result in improved health. Our experienced team of gastroesophageal reflux disease doctors is dedicated to identifying and treating reflux disease through a variety of diagnostic methods and comprehensive treatment plans. Acid reflux can be a real problem for people, and we aim to assist sufferers in regaining full confidence and comfort in their digestive health.

People often seek treatment following searches for GERD doctor near me or a GERD doctor specialist near me, typically when the condition starts to impact sleep, work, or meal times. The comprehensive care offered at our gastroenterology clinic is aimed at treating both acute and chronic aspects of Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Services
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Services

Understanding GERD

GERD occurs when food in the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus, which is the tube linking the mouth to the stomach. Over time, the irritation of the esophagus lining by backflow, known as acid reflux, may cause inflammation. Chronic and frequent acid reflux is diagnosed as GERD when it interferes with normal life.

Acid reflux disease, or GERD, may be caused by several factors. These include a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking. Additionally, certain medications and eating habits may also contribute to the condition. If left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause complications like esophagitis, ulcers, strictures of the esophagus, and Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is connected with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Effective management of the symptoms of the condition and prevention of its complications require the services of experienced gastroesophageal reflux disease doctors.

Symptoms of GERD

Individuals experiencing the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, may discover them to be relatively mild or quite severe. Heartburn is a common symptom of the condition and is experienced as a burning discomfort in the chest, this sensation being most pronounced after eating or when reclining. Individually, some people experience regurgitation. This is where acid from the stomach or partially digested food comes back up into the throat or mouth. This results in an unpleasant bitter or sour taste.

People with pancreatic cancer can experience heart palpitations as their condition progresses. Sometimes, this type of pain may also resemble angina. Swallowing difficulties or dysphagia occur when there is an inflammation or a narrowing of the esophagus. Among the other symptoms associated with this condition are a sore throat, hoarseness, coughing, or a sensation of something being stuck in the throat.

Sudden flare-ups of GERD symptoms, which typically occur at night and after eating, prompt many patients to seek immediate GERD relief. A doctor should assess people who experience persistent symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, rather than people solely relying on temporary treatments for instant GERD relief.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Services

Treatment Options

The treatment for GERD is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the condition, healing the irritation of the esophagus, and preventing future complications from arising. Each treatment plan is created with the individual’s symptoms, lifestyle, and general health in mind.

The first steps in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease usually involve making certain lifestyle modifications. Individuals may wish to consider certain dietary modifications that might help prevent heartburn. These include eating smaller meals, maintaining an appropriate weight, and not immediately lying down after a meal. Raising the upper part of your bed by a few inches may also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Reducing the amount of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine in your diet may also have a beneficial effect.

The majority of people with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are prescribed medication. Quick relief from heartburn can be obtained from antacids, H2 blockers, or medicines that stop the production of stomach acid by the use of proton pump inhibitors. While antacids can provide quick relief from symptoms, they do not address underlying inflammation or prevent the condition from recurring.

In more severe or treatment-resistant cases, additional treatments might be required. The treatment options may include either medication to improve the motility of the esophagus or possibly surgery or a minimally invasive procedure to tighten the lower part of the oesophagus’ muscle. Individuals seeking a “GERD doctor specialist near me” who have tried normal methods without success can gain from this type of medical care.

Schedule an Appointment

While a condition known as GERD can be a real nuisance, you don’t have to allow it to dictate your daily routines. People who experience frequent or worsening heartburn or chest discomfort should consult a doctor. Early intervention by gastroesophageal reflux disease doctors can lead to a quicker alleviation of symptoms, improved control of symptoms, and a decrease in the complications associated with the disease.

If you’re looking for long-term solutions rather than immediate GERD relief, then our gastroenterology clinic is here to help. Whatever your condition may be, from the onset of symptoms to chronic heartburn, our group provides the highest quality care to meet your personal needs.

Why not visit us today to arrange an assessment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and to receive treatment? While a suitable care plan can help you lower the symptoms and safeguard the health of your esophagus, it can also improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The condition most commonly referred to as the gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD typically begins with a sphincter, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, whose functioning is faulty or weakened. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, stopping stomach acid from flowing back. If the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach is not functioning correctly, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus. This could be due to the muscle either relaxing too often or failing to close properly. As a result, irritation of the esophagus occurs.

People with the following characteristics are more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The presence of a hiatal hernia can result in the gastroesophageal junction not being in its normal position. This can lead to an increased chance of the stomach acid backing up through the esophagus. Pregnancy and obesity can increase pressure in the stomach area. This pressure forces stomach contents upwards. Certain medication groups include some pain killers, high blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants, which may also be contributing to their symptoms of acid reflux. Worsening of the condition can be brought about by eating fatty foods, consuming alcohol, chocolate, coffee, or acidic foods. Doctors who specialise in gastroesophageal reflux disease give consideration to these factors, which contribute to the condition, to provide the appropriate treatment.

A diagnosis of GERD is typically reached by the healthcare provider through a review of the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination. Common symptoms include regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and persistent heartburn. At the initial assessment, the gastroenterologist will evaluate the patient’s symptoms in relation to their severity and frequency, as well as possible aggravating factors, to determine whether the patient suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Further tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or to find out how extensive the damage to the esophagus is. Endoscopy enables a clear view of the esophagus and helps to locate signs of inflammation or an ulcer. It can also detect Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the esophagus lining changes. A 24-hour test is performed to find out the frequency of acid reflux. Diagnostic imaging techniques can be used to eliminate the possibility of structural abnormalities. Patients typically look for a GERD specialist in their area or a GERD doctor near their location to clarify their situation and receive an evaluation by a specialist.

The control of acid reflux through lifestyle can be very effective and is often used alongside medication. Key elements of irritable bowel syndrome management often include reducing or completely avoiding intake of trigger foods. Individuals often experience heartburn after consuming spicy food, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, and carbonated beverages. Consuming smaller meals as frequently as every three to four hours throughout the day can ease the burden on the stomach.

Eating a meal within two to three hours of going to sleep can cause or worsen nocturnal acid reflux. Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial because it reduces the abdominal pressure that leads to GERD symptoms. Smokers are well-advised to give up smoking as a result of the weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter, which smoking causes, and the additional stomach acid production it triggers. Raising the upper portion of your bed by about 11 inches can also help reduce the likelihood of acid reflux at night.

When suffering from flare-ups, some people try to get quick GERD symptom relief. However, to manage symptoms over the long term, you need to make long-term changes in your lifestyle rather than just taking GERD remedies.

Antacids are a first-line treatment for mild, intermittent heartburn, and they are over the counter. Prescription medications include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. H2 blockers reduce acid in the stomach by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the parietal cells. Occasional stomach acid can be neutralized by an antacid, providing rapid, short-term relief. H2-receptor antagonists produce less acid and have longer-lasting effects than antacids.

One of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat GERD is the drug known as proton pump inhibitors. Because of this, they are also helpful for patients suffering from GERD, where the acid reflux has damaged the lining of the esophagus, a condition known as esophagitis. This damage allows stomach acid to seep back up through the weakened esophagus. Individuals experiencing frequent or severe heartburn are often prescribed these drugs. Doctors treating gastroesophageal reflux disease watch for the efficacy and safety of treatments, especially when patients are on the medication for a long time.

Individuals who suffer from frequent GERD symptoms that are progressively getting worse are advised to seek professional medical assistance. These are warning signs that should not be ignored. They may include persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or bringing food back up. A specialist in the area of digestive diseases is a gastroenterologist. They will develop a treatment plan and confirm the diagnosis once they have evaluated your condition. Treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs.

 

Individuals seek specialist care after searching for a GERD doctor near me to find a cure rather than merely symptom relief. Early intervention by experienced gastroesophageal reflux disease doctors can ensure that the condition is properly managed from the outset and complications can be minimized, thereby preserving long-term digestive health and improving quality of life.