GERD or 'Reflux'
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects about 1 in 5 Americans. While many people experience occasional heartburn or acid reflux, GERD occurs when these symptoms happen more than twice a week or begin to interfere with daily life.
Several factors can contribute to GERD, including a weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain medications or trigger foods such as spicy foods, citrus, tomato-based dishes, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol.
If untreated, GERD can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and long-term damage to the esophagus — but with proper evaluation and treatment, most people find meaningful relief.
How to Manage GERD
Lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense against GERD. Small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid overeating or eating late at night
- Limit or avoid trigger foods
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Wait 2–3 hours after eating before lying down
- Elevate the head of your bed if nighttime symptoms are common
- Track your diet and symptoms to identify patterns
Your provider may also recommend medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In some cases, advanced testing and treatment options may be needed.
When to See a Doctor
Talk with your primary care provider or a gastroenterology specialist if you experience:
- Heartburn more than twice a week
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent chest discomfort
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting blood or black stools
Early evaluation can prevent complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus or an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Adnan Elghezewi, MD, FACP, MPH
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Internal Medicine 304.691.1000
Wesam M. Frandah, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Gastroenterology
- GI Polyp & Tumor Removal
- Hepatitis C
- Interventional Endoscopy
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Mujtaba Mohamed, MD
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Yasmeen Obeidat, MD
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Pramod Pantangi, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Abdominal Care
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- GERD
- Hepatitis C
- Telemedicine
Locations:
Ahmed M. Sherif, MD, AGAF, FASGE
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Marc A. Subik, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Abdominal Care
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- GERD
- Hepatitis C
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Umapathy Sundaram, MD, AGAF
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Sandeep Verma, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Clinical Research
- Digestive Health
- Eating Disorders
- Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Motility
- Infectious Disease
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Alexis Makhene, FNP-BC
Clinical Interests:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
Locations:
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Tara D. Marshall, FNP-BC
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Teresa L. Mullins, APRN, FNP-BC
Clinical Interests:
- Abdominal Care
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatitis C
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology
A provider-based department of Cabell Huntington HospitalRobert and Lena Shell Medical Pavilion1340 Hal Greer Blvd.
Building 2, Second Floor (Suite #2000)
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.691.1000
Toll-Free Phone:
Marshall Internal Medicine - Point Pleasant
Rivers Health
2520 Valley Drive
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: 304.675.4500
Toll-Free Phone:
Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley
An outpatient department of Cabell Huntington Hospital
Marshall Health-Teays Valley Main Building
300 Corporate Center Drive
2nd Floor
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: 304.691.6910
Heartburn shouldn’t be your new normal.
If frequent heartburn or reflux is affecting your quality of life, our specialists can help you find lasting relief.
Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology
304.691.1000