Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
Conditions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic acid reflux affect millions of Americans, causing persistent heartburn, chest pain, and disruption to daily life. At Your GI Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for GERD and acid reflux at three convenient Southeast Texas locations in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson. With over 25 years of experience managing complex digestive conditions, we offer evidence based treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique symptoms and lifestyle.
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This backwash of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing the characteristic burning sensation known as heartburn. While occasional acid reflux is common and not necessarily a cause for concern, GERD is diagnosed when acid reflux happens more than twice a week or causes significant interference with daily activities. Left untreated, chronic GERD can lead to serious complications including esophageal inflammation, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and even esophageal cancer.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a circular band of muscle at the bottom
of the esophagus that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. In healthy individuals, the LES opens to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach, then closes to prevent stomach contents from flowing backward. In people with GERD, the LES is weakened or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid and partially digested food to reflux into the esophagus.
Several factors can contribute to GERD development. Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can force stomach contents upward through the LES. Hiatalhernia, a condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, disrupts the normal function of the LES and is frequently associated with GERD. Pregnancy, certain medications (including some blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and pain relievers), smoking, and dietary factors can all weaken the LES or increase acid production. Some individuals have delayed stomach emptying, which increases the likelihood of reflux.
Common symptoms of GERD extend beyond simple heartburn. Patients may experience a burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating and may worsen at night when lying down. Regurgitation of food or sour liquid into the mouth is frequent. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or the sensation of a lump in the throat may develop as chronic inflammation affects the esophagus. Chronic cough, laryngitis, disrupted sleep, and new or worsening asthma symptoms can all result from acid reflux affecting the throat and airways. Some patients experience chest pain severe enough to mimic a heart attack, requiring careful evaluation to distinguish cardiac from gastrointestinal causes.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective GERD treatment. At Your GI Center’s Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson locations, our gastroenterologists employ a thorough diagnostic approach beginning with a detailed medical history and symptom assessment. We evaluate the frequency, severity, and triggers of your symptoms, as well as any complications you may have experienced.
For many patients, a trial of acid-suppressing medication provides both diagnostic and therapeutic value. If symptoms improve significantly with treatment, GERD is the likely diagnosis. However, when symptoms persist despite medication, when alarm symptoms are present (such as difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, or gastrointestinal bleeding), or when long-term GERD has been present, additional testing becomes necessary. Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) is the gold standard for evaluating the esophagus in GERD patients. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to directly visualize the esophageal lining. This allows our gastroenterologists to identify inflammation (esophagitis), strictures (narrowing), Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes in the esophageal lining), or other complications. Tissue samples (biopsies) can
be obtained during endoscopy to evaluate for Barrett’s esophagus or rule out
other conditions.
Esophageal pH monitoring measures acid levels in the esophagus over a 24 hour period, providing objective data about the frequency and duration of acid
exposure. This test is particularly valuable when the diagnosis is uncertain or when symptoms persist despite treatment. Esophageal manometry assesses the function and coordination of esophageal muscles and the LES, helping to identify motility disorders that may contribute to reflux symptoms or affect treatment decisions.
Treatment for GERD typically follows a stepwise approach, beginning with lifestyle modifications and progressing to medications and, in select cases, surgical interventions. At Your GI Center, we work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms, severity of disease, and treatment goals.
Lifestyle modifications form the foundation of GERD management. Weight loss, even modest amounts, can significantly reduce reflux symptoms in overweight and obese patients by decreasing abdominal pressure. Elevating the head of the bed by six to eight inches (using blocks under the bed frame, not just extra pillows) uses gravity to keep stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus during sleep. Avoiding meals within three hours of bedtime allows the stomach to empty before lying down. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is highly individualized but commonly includes fatty or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, peppermint, tomato-based products, and citrus fruits. Smoking cessation is strongly recommended, as smoking weakens the LES and increases acid production.
Medications play a central role in GERD treatment. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole are the most effective medications for healing esophageal inflammation and controlling GERD symptoms. They work by blocking acid production in the stomach. H2 receptor blockers (H2RAs) like famotidine and cimetidine also reduce acid production, though they are generally less potent than PPIs. Antacids provide quick but temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid. For some patients, prokinetic agents that help the stomach empty faster may be beneficial.
When medical management fails to adequately control symptoms, or when patients prefer to avoid long-term medication use, surgical options may be considered. Fundoplication, typically performed laparoscopically, involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the LES and prevent reflux. The LINX device, a ring of magnetic beads placed around the LES, augments the sphincter’s function while still allowing food to pass into the stomach. These procedures are performed by specialized surgeons, and our gastroenterologists work collaboratively to determine when surgical referral is appropriate.
Why Choose
Your GI Center has served Southeast Texas communities for over 25 years, providing expert gastroenterology care with a patient-centered approach. Our board-certified gastroenterologists have extensive experience diagnosing and managing GERD and its complications, from uncomplicated reflux to Barrett’s esophagus surveillance.
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities including high-definition upper endoscopy at all three locations, enabling thorough evaluation of the esophagus and stomach. Our physicians stay current with the latest advances in GERD management through continuing medical education and participation in professional gastroenterology societies. We take time to educate patients about their condition, explain treatment options clearly, and involve them in decision making about their care.
With offices in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson, we provide convenient access to specialized gastroenterology care throughout Southeast Texas. Patients in Matagorda County and the Brazosport area no longer need to travel to Houston for expert GERD evaluation and treatment. We accept most major insurance plans and work to make care accessible to all who need it.
If you are experiencing persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or related symptoms, don’t wait for complications to develop. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent serious long-term consequences and significantly improve your quality of life. Contact Your GI Center today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists.
To schedule your appointment, call 1-888-292-0010 or contact your preferred location: