Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats problems of the stomach, esophagus, and intestines, often treats GERD. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a long-lasting condition. Stomach contents move back up and irritate the esophagus. It happens when the muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close properly.
Having reflux now and then is common. You may have GERD if you have symptoms two or more times a week, or if reflux damages the lining of your esophagus. Anyone can have GERD, including infants and children.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is heartburn, a burning feeling in your chest or throat. You can also have GERD without heartburn.
Other symptoms may include:
- Tasting acid or food in the back of your mouth.
- Regurgitation, which is stomach contents coming back up into your throat or mouth.
- A dry cough or a hoarse voice.
- Asthma-like symptoms.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Nausea.
Without treatment, GERD can cause inflammation of the esophagus, scarring, or changes in the tissue lining called Barrett's esophagus. It can also worsen asthma or cause a long-term cough or hoarseness.
Causes and who gets it
GERD can happen when the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time. You are more likely to have GERD if you:
- Are overweight or have obesity.
- Are pregnant.
- Smoke or are around secondhand smoke.
- Have a hiatal hernia, which is when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest.
Certain foods, drinks, or medicines can also make GERD worse. Some examples of medicines are calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, and certain asthma medicines.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also recommend tests, such as:
- An upper GI endoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to look at the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
- A biopsy, which checks a small tissue sample.
- An X-ray to take pictures of the upper digestive system.
- An esophageal pH test, which measures how often acid backs up into the esophagus and how long it stays there.
- Esophageal manometry, which checks how well your esophagus moves food when you swallow.
Treatment
Most people can manage GERD with lifestyle changes and medicine. In rare cases, surgery is needed.
Lifestyle changes can include:
- Eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating.
- Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, such as spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, or fatty foods.
- Losing weight if needed.
- Raising the head of your bed.
- Quitting smoking.
Antacids can relieve mild heartburn and other mild symptoms. You should not use them every day, or for severe symptoms, unless you first talk with your doctor. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) both lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. PPIs are better at treating GERD symptoms than H2 blockers. PPIs can heal the esophageal lining in most people with GERD. PPIs are generally safe, but research suggests they may increase the chance of a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes and medicines. Fundoplication is the most common surgery for GERD. A surgeon sews the top of your stomach around the end of your esophagus to add pressure to the lower esophageal sphincter and help prevent reflux.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you think you have GERD, or if your symptoms do not get better with over-the-counter medicines or lifestyle changes. Also see a doctor if you have symptoms that could point to complications or other serious health problems, such as:
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting that does not stop.
- Problems swallowing or pain while swallowing.
- Stool that contains blood or looks black and tarry.
- Weight loss you cannot explain.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain that lasts two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or pain in your jaw or arm. Also call if you vomit blood. Chest pain can be a sign of a heart problem.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this can review your symptoms and talk with you about lifestyle changes and medicines. They can also help decide when you need tests or a specialist visit.
Common questions
Is GERD the same as heartburn?
No, heartburn is a symptom and GERD is a long-lasting condition. Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest or throat. You can also have GERD without having heartburn.
Can GERD cause problems if it is not treated?
Yes, GERD that is not treated can cause other health problems. These include inflammation of the esophagus, scarring, and changes in the tissue lining called Barrett's esophagus.
Do I need surgery for GERD?
Most people do not need surgery. Surgery is needed only in rare cases. Doctors may suggest it if symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes and medicines.
Which foods can make GERD worse?
Spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods can trigger symptoms. Certain drinks or medicines can also make GERD worse.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
