Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If heartburn or reflux keeps coming back, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We offer testing, treatments and minimally invasive options to help you find relief.

GERD happens when stomach acid and other contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. This may feel like burning, pressure or pain behind the breastbone. Reflux can also lead to coughing, chest discomfort or a sour taste in your mouth.

Occasional reflux is common. But if it happens frequently or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications, it might be GERD.

GERD is more persistent and can lead to ulcers or permanent damage if left untreated. Over time, it may cause inflammation, scarring or changes in the esophagus that can increase your risk for esophageal cancer.

At MU Health Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating GERD. Our team uses advanced imaging, functional testing and minimally invasive treatments to stop reflux, relieve symptoms and protect your health.

Our Approach to GERD Care

GERD isn’t just uncomfortable — over time, it can damage the lining of your esophagus and disrupt your daily life.

Our gastroenterologists, foregut surgeons, dietitians and radiologists work together to get to the root of your symptoms and help you find lasting relief. Whether you need testing, medication or a minimally invasive procedure, we’re here with answers, guidance and ongoing support.

Care typically starts with a physical exam and a conversation about your symptoms. If heartburn improves with acid-reducing medicine like H2 blockers (such as Pepcid®) or proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec®), your provider may diagnose GERD without additional testing.

GERD Symptoms

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, or a burning or painful sensation behind your breastbone, especially after meals. Reflux can also cause other symptoms, especially if you feel worse after eating large meals, bending over or lying down.

Common signs of GERD include:

Chest pain or pressure after eating
Chronic cough or throat clearing
Difficulty swallowing or feeling like food gets stuck
Heartburn that returns more than twice a week
Hoarseness or sore throat
Shortness of breath or asthma-like symptoms
Sour taste in the mouth or regurgitation

GERD Causes and Risk Factors

GERD has many causes, so your care plan targets what’s specifically contributing to your reflux symptoms.

Common factors include:

Hiatal hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, often contributing to reflux.
Obesity: Extra abdominal pressure can weaken the valve between the stomach and esophagus.
Pregnancy: GERD is common during pregnancy. Your doctor can advise you on which medications are safe for you to take. Symptoms usually improve after delivery.
Prior stomach or esophageal surgery: Certain procedures may increase your risk for reflux.
Smoking: Tobacco use can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.

Some foods and drinks can trigger reflux symptoms, including chocolate, mint, alcohol, citrus, tomatoes, spicy foods and coffee. Eating large meals or lying down shortly after eating can also worsen symptoms.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you’ve been dealing with reflux for six months or more, or if medicine isn’t helping, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

How We Treat GERD

At MU Health Care, we focus on stopping reflux, protecting your esophagus and helping you feel better in the long term.

We personalize your treatment plan based on your symptoms and test results. Your plan may include lifestyle changes, medication or a minimally invasive procedure.

Medical and Lifestyle Management for GERD

Your care may start with nonsurgical strategies, such as:

Avoiding trigger foods like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus and spicy dishes.
Eating smaller meals and waiting at least two hours before lying down.
Elevating the head of your bed by six to eight inches to reduce nighttime reflux.
Losing weight, if needed — even 5 to 10 pounds can help reduce symptoms.
Over-the-counter medications like Tums, Pepcid and Prilosec.
Taking prescribed medications such as antacids, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If medicines control your symptoms, you may need to keep taking them long-term.

Surgical and Endoscopic Treatments for GERD

If medication doesn’t provide enough relief, we may recommend a procedure.

These options are minimally invasive and performed through small incisions or internally using an endoscope.

We offer:

Fundoplication (partial or full) strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach. You may still need medication afterwards.
Hiatal hernia repair if structural issues are contributing to reflux.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), a newer incision-free procedure that rebuilds the valve from inside the esophagus.
Weight loss surgery for people whose reflux is linked to obesity.

We perform these procedures laparoscopically or robotically under general anesthesia. Most surgeries take about two hours and include an overnight stay.

Surgery Recovery and Follow-Up

After surgery, you may start with a short-term diet, beginning with puréed or thick liquids, then soft foods, before returning to regular meals.

You may be able to get back to daily activities within a few days. Your care team will check in through follow-up visits to monitor your healing, manage any symptoms and adjust medications as needed.

If you’ve had chronic reflux or Barrett’s esophagus, you may need recurring endoscopy every one to three years to keep an eye on any changes.

Your care team will advise you on what to expect from your specific procedure, including how to prepare, what happens on surgery day and what recovery and follow-up will look like.