GERD Specialist
Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology
Mehrdad Asgeri, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Palm Springs, CA
About 20% of Americans have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) today. If you frequently have uncomfortable or painful acid reflux, it could be GERD — and fortunately, Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology, located in Palm Springs - serving Rancho Mirage, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert, CA - can help. Renowned gastroenterologist Mehrdad Asgeri, MD, diagnoses and treats GERD to help you leave those awful symptoms behind. Call the office or click the provided appointment link now.
GERD Q & A
What is GERD?
To know about GERD, you first need to know about acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acids wash up (reflux) into your esophagus. Occasional acid reflux isn't uncommon, but if you have mild acid reflux a minimum of twice a week, or moderate-to-serious acid reflux a minimum of once a week, it's called GERD.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
The main symptoms of GERD are acid reflux and heartburn, a burning feeling in the upper part of your chest. You may also experience:
- Chest pain
- Food regurgitation
- Dysphagia (swallowing problems)
- Feeling like you have a lump in your throat
- Sore throat
- Frequent burping
- Persistent dry cough
- Hoarseness
- Sinus issues
- Sleep apnea: Frequent breathing interruptions during sleep
If you don't pay attention to these symptoms and seek help, GERD could lead to serious complications like ulcers, strictures (abnormal esophagus narrowing), and precancerous tissue in your esophagus (Barrett's esophagus).
How is GERD diagnosed?
Dr. Asgeri reviews your medical history and talks to you about your symptoms. He typically diagnoses GERD through an endoscopy, a procedure in which he uses very thin flexible tubing with a tiny camera to look at your upper digestive tract close-up.
You could also need other tests, such as esophageal manometry to check swallowing and pH testing to check acid reflux frequency and duration.
How is GERD treated?
GERD is a chronic condition, but Dr. Asgeri can help you manage symptoms very effectively. Treatment plans usually include lifestyle changes and medication, with common measures including:
- Eliminating trigger foods like fatty foods, spicy foods, and alcohol
- Waiting for a few hours before lying down after meals
- Raising your head as you sleep
- Stopping smoking
- Losing weight if overweight
- Taking H2 blocker medications
- Taking proton pump inhibitor medications
If you have GERD, it's very important to take active steps to control your symptoms and stop the disease from progressing. The complications of GERD, like Barrett's esophagus, may require more aggressive steps such as radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, or endoscopic removal of the abnormal tissue.
Dr. Asgeri is ready to work with you to end acid reflux, heartburn, and other disruptive symptoms of GERD. Reach out to Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology by calling the office or clicking the online appointment maker now.