GERD Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
If you suffer from frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or a chronic cough, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City, Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM, and our team take a holistic and integrative approach to GERD, identifying what is causing your reflux and providing patient-focused treatments that help your body heal.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition in which stomach acid or bile flows backward into the esophagus. Occasional heartburn is common, but frequent reflux can irritate and inflame the esophageal lining. Left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis, strictures, and Barrett’s esophagus, a change in the esophageal lining that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Early evaluation helps protect your esophagus and your long-term health.
Common Symptoms of GERD
GERD symptoms vary depending on how often reflux occurs and what type of fluid comes up from the stomach. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the center of the chest that often worsens after eating or when lying down, is the most familiar symptom, but not everyone with GERD has heartburn. Other symptoms include:
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Nausea and upper abdominal discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Chronic dry cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
- Asthma-like symptoms or wheezing
- Bad breath and earaches
- Chest pain that can mimic heart pain
Chest pain should always be evaluated promptly to rule out a heart problem.
What Causes GERD?
GERD develops when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular ring at the bottom of the esophagus, weakens or relaxes at the wrong times, allowing stomach contents to move upward. Contributing factors include:
- A weak or abnormally relaxing LES
- Hiatal hernia, which is common in patients with GERD
- Abnormal esophageal contractions that fail to clear acid
- Slow stomach emptying, which prolongs exposure to acid
- Excess weight, pregnancy, and smoking
- Large or late-night meals, alcohol, caffeine, and trigger foods
- Low stomach acid, SIBO, and food sensitivities that disrupt normal digestion
How GERD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will choose the right tests based on your symptoms and history. Options may include upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach, ambulatory acid monitoring, esophageal motility testing, and imaging studies. For patients at risk for Barrett’s esophagus, we also offer EsoGuard, a non-endoscopic esophageal test, and stomach cancer screening when appropriate.
Integrative GERD Treatment
Conventional treatment options include antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetic medications, and, in select cases, surgical procedures. These can be valuable, and your doctor will recommend them when needed. At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition, we also look deeper at what is driving your reflux. Many patients find significant relief by identifying trigger foods, improving digestion, addressing gastritis or bacterial overgrowth, managing stress, and making targeted lifestyle changes. Our customized nutrition plans, personalized digestive disorder diets, and nutraceutical supplements are designed to support healing of the esophagus and reduce reliance on long-term medication whenever it is safe to do so. You can also learn more from our GERD video presentation.
GERD FAQs
When should I see a doctor about heartburn?
If you have heartburn more than twice a week, need antacids regularly, or have symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or vomiting, it is time to see a gastroenterologist.
Who is most likely to develop GERD?
GERD can affect people of all ages, including children. Risk is higher with excess weight, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, and certain eating habits.
Is there a cure for GERD?
GERD is often a chronic condition, but with the right treatment most people can control their symptoms effectively. Addressing underlying causes can lead to long-term relief for many patients.
Can GERD be treated without long-term medication?
Many patients improve with diet, lifestyle, and root-cause treatment, while others need medication for a period of time. Your doctor will recommend the safest and most effective approach for you.
Can GERD cause a chronic cough or hoarseness?
Yes. Reflux can irritate the throat and airways, causing chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and asthma-like symptoms, even without heartburn.
Do I need an endoscopy for GERD?
An upper endoscopy is recommended for long-standing symptoms, alarm symptoms, or risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus. Your doctor will discuss whether it is right for you.
What foods commonly trigger reflux?
Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. A personalized plan helps identify your specific triggers.
Get Relief From GERD in Los Angeles, CA
Are you experiencing heartburn two or more times a week or relying on pills to control your symptoms? Call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 to schedule a consultation, or continue reading about SIBO.