While occasional heartburn or acid reflux may not require medical intervention, you should make an appointment with an experienced doctor if you have been unsuccessful in reducing the recurrence of your symptoms. If you find yourself relying on antacids for 2 weeks or longer without achieving total relief, it may be time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson. By finding a provider who specializes in gastrointestinal health and well-being, you will ensure you receive the highest level of care and the most comprehensive options when it comes to determining the appropriate treatment.

esophagus. It can cause chronic acid reflux that erodes the lining of the esophagus, often leading to more serious health issues. Symptoms of GERD include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food or liquid following a meal, an uncomfortable sensation in your throat like there is an object stuck in it, and chronic heartburn that often occurs after eating and may be worse at night. Patients with nightly acid reflux may also suffer from disrupted sleep, cough, asthma, and even laryngitis. If you have experienced heartburn for days on end without being able to find consistent relief, it is possible that your symptoms are the result of GERD. Seeking a diagnosis from an experienced gastrointestinal specialist can ensure you have all the information you need to seek important treatment.

Mild or moderate acid reflux may be controllable with some minor lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggering foods in conjunction with over-the-counter medications or antacids. Severe cases, however, may require a more extensive treatment approach, and patients with GERD can be effectively treated with 2 different types of minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Johnson and his experienced staff can help you understand your treatment options and design a surgical intervention that is minimally invasive, but effective, allowing you to achieve lasting relief of and freedom from your uncomfortable GERD symptoms, so you can live your life without interruption from chronic acid reflux and heartburn.

When stomach acid works its way back up your esophagus, it can cause a wide range of other health complications. Tooth decay, esophagitis, and esophageal ulcers are all relatively common in patients with untreated GERD. In some severe cases, the erosion of the esophagus can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous condition that can cause patients to develop esophageal cancer. It is imperative that you seek effective treatment for your GERD symptoms from an experienced gastrointestinal specialist, so you can not only improve your quality of life now, but protect your health long into the future.

For patients in the Merced, CA area, Dr. Alfred B Johnson can provide effective treatment options for patients with GERD and acid reflux. Call us to schedule a consultation and start taking control of your acid reflux symptoms.