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Top Acid Reflux Gastroenterologist

Top Acid Reflux Gastroenterologist

The optimal acid reflux therapy in Houston is that of Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs. Dr. Scott offers a detailed, compassionate care of acid reflux and chronic gastric esophageal reflux disease with personalized diagnosis and lifestyle change, to complex endoscopic and surgical procedures. Feeling good and more confident now.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Eating large amounts of food or eating food late in the night.
  • Trigger foods (citrus, chocolate, spicy/fried food, caffeine)
  • Obesity or rapid weight gain
  • Smoking or heavy alcohol use
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms

  • Chest or throat pain (burning)
  • Bitter/ sour taste in the mouth.
  • Persistent cough
  • Hoarseness/frequency of throat clearing.
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • When he wakes up in the night, he coughs or his taste is sour.

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?

Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He investigates your weight-loss history, the character of your epigastric pains (when, where, causes), eating habits, medications, traveling history and other pre-disposing factors.

Laboratory Tests

  • CBC and a metabolic panel to examine anemia, electrolyte disorders and organ activity.
  • To eradicate endocrine etiologies, test of thyroid functioning and blood sugar level.
  • Malabsorption/inflammatory (CRP, ESR) Celiac serologies and inflammatory (CRP, ESR).
  • Stool cultures (calprotectin, ova & parasites, fat quantification) to detect infection or malabsorption.

Imaging and Endoscopic Evaluation

  • The abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to check the presence of masses, organ or lymphadenopathy enlargement.
  • Endoscopic inspection (EGD) of esophagus, stomach, duodenum to detect ulcers, gastritis, celiac changes or tumors- is particularly important in chronic epigastric pain.

Advanced Diagnostics (if needed)

He can propose the capsule endoscopy, small-bowel biopsy or motility studies in case of inconclusive findings with the initial tests in order to unveil the mucosal disease with mild symptoms, strictures or dysmotility.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for acid reflux.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Consuming small but frequent meals in order to reduce stomach pressure.
  • Waiting between 2-3 hours after meals and sleeping.
  • Elevating the bed to an elevated position of 6-8 inches to forestall night reflux.
  • Eliminating personal trigger foods (citrus, chocolate, spicy / fried food, caffeine).
  • Encouraging loss of weight through controlled diet and physical activities.
  • Cessation of the smoking habit and limit alcohol intake.

2. Medications

  • OTC antacids: acetatylefophenazine, bismuth subsalicylate, dobutamine, furosemide, octophenol, octopropazole, pravastatin, albuterol, ipratropium, metaproterenol, metoproterol xfloxetide, ipratropium bromide, ipratropium sulfoxate, ipratropium toxyl salt, ipratropium xifengate, ipratropium gluconate, ipratropium gluconate
  • H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) in order to suppress the production of acid.
  • Prolonged acid inhibition (e.g. omeprazole)
  • Individualized prescription plans which depend on the level of the symptoms and the outcomes of the tests.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Endoscopic fundoplication to augment the valve between the stomach and the esophagus.
  • Placement of LINX device, magnetic ring, which prevents reflux.
  • Laparoscopic surgery of severe or recalcitrant GERD.
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICD-10 code of acid reflux?

The code (K21.9) is applied in cases where reflux is experienced but without esophagitis.

When will I feel good when I change my diet?

The majority of the people feel better after 1 to 2 weeks due to avoiding trigger foods and taking small meals.

Is acid reflux harmful during sleeping?

Occasionally severe harm can be done and in most cases night reflux can cause harm to the esophagus. Seek help when there is a choking wake or the sensation of chest pains.

Is it different between GERD and acid reflux?

Persistent form of acid reflux is GERD. It is correlated with everyday and usual life symptoms.

Which are the foods that are not good with acid reflux?

Hot food, fried food, citrus, tomatoes, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated drinks should be avoided.

When should I see a doctor?

Visit a doctor when you experience over two heartburns weekly, the symptoms, which disturb your sleep, or when the over-the-counter drugs fail to work.

Which are the tests which ascertain acid reflux?

Common tests include upper endoscopy, PH monitoring and esophageal manometry.

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