What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is diagnosed when heartburn or acid reflux occurs 3-4 times weekly or if symptoms are uncontrolled, require ongoing treatment with medicines, or produce damage (or possible damage) to the esophagus or respiratory tract.

Complications of GERD include esophagitis (erosions or ulcers in the esophagus), difficulty swallowing due to strictures (scarring), Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

Symptoms of GERD

• Hoarseness or sore throat
• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Regurgitation
• Frequent swallowing
• Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
• Persistent cough
• Sleep disruption
• Bloating
• Excessive clearing of the throat
• Intolerance of certain foods
• Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation

Treatment Options

For some patients, GERD can be successfully managed by changes to diet and lifestyle along with prescription medication. However, all patients that are managing GERD symptoms through these methods should undergo an EGD to ensure significant damage hasn't already occured. For many patients with GERD, surgery can be the safest option with the best outcomes. Our surgeons are experts in the management of GERD and can provide complete evaluation and treatment.

• Laparoscopic fundoplication can effectively control GERD. Our surgeons are expert in this field, with the experience of hundreds of successful surgeries for GERD and hiatal hernia repair.  
• LINX procedure, or Laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation, offers control of GERD by use of a special implant.
• Bariatric surgery - Morbidly obese patients may, in some cases, be recommended for a bariatric procedure to control their reflux and treat dangerous weight gain.

Why Choose NGPG?

We offer fully integrated care and disease management for individuals suffering from esophageal disorders. This unique practice, lead by general surgeon and heartburn and swallowing specialist, Dr. Casey Graybeal, offers both patient evaluation and treatment. We do all diagnostics and testing in-house and recommend a treatment plan to the patient based on intimate knowledge of each patient's history and issue. A referral is not needed if you are experiencing the symptoms above or have previously been diagnosed with GERD.

Request an Appointment

To schedule a consultation with NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing Center about treatment options for GERD, call us at 770-219-9200 or use our online form on this page.