GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Over time, this backwash can lead to heartburn, chest pain, and damage to the esophageal lining. Some people experience "silent GERD," where typical heartburn is absent but symptoms like a sore throat or chronic cough appear.
Early recognition of GERD makes it easier to manage. Common symptoms include:
Several factors can trigger or worsen GERD:
At GastroDoxs, we specialize in patient?centered GERD care, combining advanced diagnostics-like high-resolution endoscopy and pH monitoring-with personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle. Our Cypress team guides you every step of the way, from clear explanations of your test results to ongoing follow-up to ensure lasting relief. Don't let heartburn control your life any longer. Book an appointment with our Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) specialist in Cypress today. Visit GastroDoxs online or call our office to schedule your consultation and start your journey to better digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 45K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
If you experience burning or acid reflux more than twice a week or if it disrupts your sleep, it may be more than occasional heartburn. A gastroenterologist can perform an evaluation-often including symptom review and testing-to confirm a GERD diagnosis.
Your doctor may recommend an upper endoscopy if your symptoms are severe, persistent despite treatment, or accompanied by difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding. This procedure allows direct visualization of the esophagus and stomach lining.
Chronic, untreated GERD can cause changes in the esophageal lining known as Barrett's esophagus, which slightly increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Early diagnosis and management help minimize this risk.
GERD is coded in ICD-10 as follows: � K21.0 for GERD with esophagitis � K21.9 for GERD without esophagitis
Yes. Lifestyle measures like losing excess weight, avoiding known trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and elevating the head of your bed can reduce reflux. Always discuss natural or over-the-counter remedies with your doctor first.
Most patients notice significant relief within 2-4 weeks of starting medications (such as antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs) combined with dietary and lifestyle changes. If symptoms persist, further testing or procedural interventions may be recommended.
Minimally invasive surgeries-like laparoscopic fundoplication-are generally safe and effective for patients who don't respond to medical therapy or who prefer to avoid long-term medication. Your surgeon will discuss risks and benefits in detail.
Yes. Infants, children, and adolescents can develop reflux and GERD. Pediatric-specific treatments and feeding strategies are available to manage symptoms safely at any age.
Not necessarily. Individual triggers vary widely. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and when symptoms occur can help you identify-and later reintroduce-foods that you tolerate well.
You'll need to fast (no food or drink) for several hours before the procedure. Our Cypress team will provide detailed instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking, and what medications you may need to pause.
