GERD Specialist
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Y. H. Salem, MD, FACS
Acid Reflux and General Surgeon & Varicose Vein Specialist located in Huntington Beach, CA & Anaheim, CA
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects an alarming 20% of the U.S. population. If you’re suffering from unpleasant side effects of GERD, experienced general surgeon Dr. Y.H. Salem diagnoses and treats your condition to give you the high quality of life you deserve. Call his offices, located in Huntington Beach, Foothill Ranch, and Anaheim, California, to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
GERD
What is GERD?
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when contents from your stomach come back up into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux) can happen to anybody from time to time and go away, but if it’s long-lasting Dr. Salem can help treat it.
Your esophagus is the tube that carries food and drinks from your mouth to your stomach. When your throat doesn’t close properly, stomach acid contents leak back up into the esophagus, which irritates it and causes unpleasant symptoms.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
It’s common to experience gastroesophageal reflux every so often, but if you have symptoms more than twice a week, talk with Dr. Salem to see if you have GERD. Symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Bad breath
- Tasting stomach acid in the back of your mouth
- Burning feeling in your chest
- Pain in your chest or upper abdomen
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tooth erosion
If left untreated, GERD can lead to other health complications — such as inflammation of the esophagus, esophageal cancer, esophageal ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus, and respiratory problems.
What causes GERD?
While you can’t always avoid GERD, specific factors increase your risk of developing it. These include:
- Hiatal hernia
- Being overweight or obese
- Pregnancy
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Connective tissue disorders (scleroderma)
- Smoking
- Certain medications
Eating large meals, late-night eating, drinking alcohol or coffee, and eating fatty or fried foods can also lead to or aggravate gastroesophageal reflux.
What is the treatment for GERD?
If you have long-lasting GERD more than twice a week and it’s affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Salem to go over treatment options. He’ll discuss ways to alleviate symptoms, including the following lifestyle changes:
- Eating smaller meals
- Losing weight
- Avoiding alcohol, coffee, or certain foods
Dr. Salem may also prescribe medications or recommend surgery to reduce symptoms of or eliminate GERD.
A TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) procedure treats GERD without incisions. Dr. Salem rebuilds and tightens tissue between the esophagus and stomach to protect against future acid reflux. This procedure uses an endoscope that goes inside the body, so it’s minimally invasive with no cutting.
When you’re ready to get rid of chronic heartburn and other symptoms of GERD, call Dr. Salem’s office today or book an appointment online.
