GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating or damaging its lining. In simple terms, it's persistent heartburn caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that allows acid to escape the stomach.
You may experience:
GERD can be triggered by factors that weaken or relax the LES too often:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we specialize in comprehensive GERD care-offering advanced diagnostics like endoscopy and pH monitoring, personalized diet and lifestyle strategies, and targeted treatment plans from antacids and PPIs to endoscopic therapies and surgical options. Our bilingual, patient-centered team works closely with you to relieve symptoms, heal inflammation, and restore quality of life. Ready to end the burn? Call us today or book your appointment online to take the first step toward lasting relief.
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.
While GERD often requires lifelong management, many people achieve long-term symptom control through a combination of diet and lifestyle changes, acid-reducing medications, and, in select cases, surgical procedures.
GERD itself is rarely life-threatening, but chronic, untreated reflux can lead to serious complications-such as Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer-if not properly managed.
GERD in Spanish is "Enfermedad por reflujo gastroesof gico (ERGE)."
In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes too frequently or weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus and irritate its lining.
Repeated acid reflux causes inflammation and damage to esophageal tissue. Over time, this can induce cellular changes, impairing the LES and perpetuating further reflux.
Potential complications include esophagitis (inflammation), strictures (narrowing), Barrett's esophagus (precancerous changes), and respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic cough.
A GERD-friendly diet avoids known triggers like citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or spicy foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and not lying down right after eating also helps.
Yes. Acid that refluxes into the esophagus and throat can irritate airways and lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, or asthma-like coughing.
The ICD-10 code for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without esophagitis is K21.9.
Non-surgical management includes lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, head-of-bed elevation), dietary changes, antacids, H?-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and endoscopic therapies.
