Approximately 20% of Americans experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, making it one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States. 

GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach, called the esophagus, and irritates the esophageal lining. This causes that familiar burning sensation many know as heartburn. 

Beyond discomfort, untreated GERD can develop into serious complications like esophagitis, narrowing of the esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Whether you've just been diagnosed or have struggled with GERD symptoms and causes for years, understanding your treatment options is crucial for finding relief and preventing long-term damage. 

If you’re looking for an expert to help you navigate the path toward effective relief from GERD symptoms, you’re in the right place. Read on to explore relief strategies from the best GERD specialist in Los Angeles, from lifestyle modifications to medication and surgical interventions. 

Lifestyle Changes to Manage GERD Naturally

Managing GERD often begins with simple lifestyle adjustments that can significantly reduce symptoms without the need for medication: 

  • Steering clear of trigger foods makes a substantial difference. Avoid spicy dishes, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, tomato-based products, and citrus fruits, as these can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and allow stomach acid to flow upward. 
  • How you sleep and eat matters too. Elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches with blocks or a wedge pillow to improve your sleeping position for heartburn. Waiting at least three hours after eating before lying down, and eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones, can also help. 
  • Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on your stomach. Losing even 10% of excess body weight can make a huge difference. 
  • Quitting smoking helps strengthen the crucial sphincter muscle that can help alleviate GERD symptoms. 
  • Since stress can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms, incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga may provide additional relief. 

These natural heartburn remedies often work together to create a comprehensive management strategy.

Dietary Changes and GERD-Friendly Eating Habits

Dietary modifications can often provide significant relief from GERD symptoms, often eliminating the need for medication in many cases. A GERD-friendly diet emphasizes gentle, non-irritating foods, such as:

  • Oatmeal
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins like chicken and fish
  • Vegetables, except tomatoes and onions
  • Non-citrus fruits like bananas or melons

Additionally, how you eat matters as much as what you eat; consuming five or six small meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones, reduces stomach pressure and minimizes the likelihood of acid reflux. Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and staying upright for at least two hours after meals can further decrease the risk of reflux. 

Since GERD triggers vary significantly between individuals, maintaining a detailed food diary that tracks what you eat alongside any symptoms can reveal your personal pattern of sensitivities and refine your GERD diet plan over time. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) GERD Medications

When lifestyle changes aren't enough, over-the-counter medications offer varying levels of relief for GERD symptoms: 

  • Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox work quickly by neutralizing stomach acid on contact, making them helpful for immediate, though brief, symptom relief during occasional flare-ups. 
  • H2 blockers, such as Pepcid or Zantac 360, are best for longer-lasting protection, as they help reduce acid production for up to 12 hours. They are most effective when taken before symptoms begin or before activities that might trigger reflux, such as large meals. 
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec or Nexium, are more effective when more substantial relief is needed. They work to block acid production more completely than H2 blockers and can heal damaged esophageal tissue, though they typically take several days to reach full effectiveness. 

While convenient and effective, these medications should be used according to package directions, as prolonged use of certain options, especially PPIs, may have side effects if misused or taken for extended periods of time.

Prescription Medications for Severe GERD

When over-the-counter options fail to control GERD symptoms, the leading gastroenterologist in Los Angeles often prescribes stronger versions of the same medication classes: 

  • Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium, Protonix, or Dexilant provide more powerful acid suppression than their OTC counterparts and can heal esophageal damage from chronic acid exposure. 
  • Prescription H2 blockers may also be given at higher doses for better effectiveness. 
  • Prokinetic agents can also help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and speed stomach emptying. 

While these medications effectively manage symptoms, long-term PPI use requires careful monitoring by a healthcare provider due to potential concerns including calcium, magnesium, or vitamin B12 deficiencies, increased risk of certain infections, and possible kidney issues. 

If you continue experiencing heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain despite using OTC medications for two weeks, you may need prescription-strength treatment. 

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures for GERD

For patients with severe GERD that doesn't respond to medications or lifestyle changes, surgical options provide fast and permanent solutions. 

  • The most established procedure, Nissen fundoplication, involves wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus to strengthen the sphincter and create a one-way valve that prevents acid from flowing upward while allowing food to pass down. 
  • A newer alternative, the LINX device, consists of a small, flexible band of magnetic titanium beads that's placed around the junction between the stomach and esophagus. These magnets are strong enough to keep the opening closed and prevent reflux, but separate temporarily when you swallow food or drink. 
  • Other procedures include Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), which creates a valve at the gastroesophageal junction without incisions, and Stretta, which uses radiofrequency energy to strengthen the sphincter. 

Typically, surgical interventions are only recommended for patients who haven't found relief with medication therapy and lifestyle modifications and who cannot tolerate long-term medication use. 

When to See a Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles for GERD Treatment

Certain warning signs indicate it's time to move beyond self-care and consult a gastroenterologist about your GERD symptoms. Schedule an appointment if you: 

  • Experience heartburn more than twice weekly
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing, a condition called dysphagia
  • A persistent cough or hoarseness that doesn't improve
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Chest pain, after cardiac causes have been ruled out

These symptoms suggest that acid reflux may be causing damage to your esophageal tissue. Untreated GERD can lead to serious complications, including Barrett's esophagus, which indicates precancerous changes to the esophagus. 

Working with a gastroenterologist who has expert knowledge in treating GERD can help evaluate your condition through diagnostic procedures, such as upper endoscopy or pH monitoring, to measure acid levels and tissue damage. 

Find the Best GERD Doctor in Los Angeles

Treating GERD is more than just managing symptoms; it’s about restoring your comfort and quality of life with precision and compassion. That’s why our compassionate team listens closely, answers every question, and tailors your treatment to what works best for you, not just what’s typical. Dr. Shouhed combines deep clinical expertise with a rare ability to explain complex issues in a way that feels clear and empowering. He also provides advanced treatments for complex or persistent cases. 

If you’re ready for thoughtful, expert guidance that prioritizes your well-being, you’re in the right place; reach out to us for a consultation with the best GERD doctor in Los Angeles.