Call us: (704) 377-4009  |  Referrals  |  MyChart  |  Bill Pay
Schedule Appointment Prep Instructions Patient Portal Contact Us
Schedule Your Screening Find a Location Call (704) 377-4009 Send a Referral
Conditions

GERD Treatment in Charlotte

Clear diagnosis, expert treatment, and long-term relief

Chronic heartburn and acid reflux are not something you have to live with — effective treatment can protect your esophagus and restore your comfort.

Schedule your consultation
Know the condition

Understanding GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when weak esophageal muscles allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Our acid reflux specialists in Charlotte, Huntersville, and Mooresville provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and monitoring for related complications including Barrett's esophagus.

Castle Connolly
Top Doctors

Occasional heartburn after a large meal is common and not a cause for concern. GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs regularly and can damage the lining of the esophagus over time if left untreated.
KEY SYMPTOMS

Recognizing Symptoms

When Acid Reflux Becomes a Daily Problem

The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn, a condition our Charlotte-area specialists treat daily, but acid reflux can present in a variety of ways. If any of the following occur regularly, especially after eating or when lying down, a medical evaluation is recommended.

Chronic Heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest that occurs frequently, particularly after eating, bending over, or lying down.

Bitter or Sour Taste

Stomach acid rising into the throat or mouth, leaving a persistent sour or bitter taste throughout the day.

Difficulty Swallowing

Struggling to swallow food or liquids due to esophageal irritation, inflammation, or narrowing caused by acid exposure.

Worsening Symptoms After Eating

Reflux that intensifies immediately after meals or when reclining, a sign that esophageal muscles are weakened.

Regurgitation

Regularly feeling stomach contents — food or fluid — rise back into the throat or mouth after eating.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter — the muscle that prevents stomach contents from flowing back up — becomes weakened. Several factors can contribute to this weakening.

Obesity, smoking, eating large portions, and a diet high in fatty or acidic foods all increase pressure on the stomach and weaken the esophageal sphincter, promoting acid reflux.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

GERD is highly treatable. Most patients find lasting relief through a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medication. Surgery is reserved for cases that don't respond to other treatments.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller portions, not eating within three hours of bed, sleeping elevated, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce GERD symptoms.

Medications

Acid-reducing medications — including Tagamet, Pepcid, Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid, and Nexium — help control stomach acid production and allow the esophagus to heal.

Weight Management

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight reduces abdominal pressure on the stomach, directly easing the frequency and severity of acid reflux episodes.

Surgery (Fundoplication)

A procedure that tightens the lower esophageal valve to prevent acid from flowing backward. Recommended when lifestyle changes and medications have not provided adequate relief.  For patients who develop Barrett's esophagus as a complication of chronic GERD, radiofrequency ablation may also be recommended to remove precancerous tissue.

Living Well with GERD

Living with GERD can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right treatment plan and support, most people achieve meaningful, long-term relief. Small, consistent changes add up — and you don't have to navigate them alone. Charlotte Gastro is with you every step of the way.

Avoiding fatty foods, citrus, tomatoes, mint, and alcohol while eating smaller portions can make a significant difference. Your doctor can help you identify your personal triggers and build a sustainable eating plan.

Location and Scheduling

All of our offices offer diagnosis and treatment for GERD and related conditions including Barrett's esophagus. We'll connect you with the right specialist and location for your care.

Group 159
Schedule your appointment
Group 158
CALL (704) 377-4009

Have questions about insurance? Our team can verify your coverage and let you know what to expect for out-of-pocket costs.

Diagnostic Process

Getting Your Diagnosis

GERD is sometimes diagnosed based on symptoms alone, but your doctor may recommend additional testing to assess the severity of the condition and check for complications like Barrett's esophagus.

In many cases, a thorough review of your symptoms — including how often they occur and how long you have experienced them — is sufficient for a GERD diagnosis without additional testing.

FAQs

Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the esophagus, causing chronic pain. It can also lead to Barrett's esophagus, which carries a risk of esophageal cancer if not monitored and treated.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

Our Rea Farms, Randolph Road, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Mooresville offices offer diagnosis and treatment for GERD, acid reflux, and related conditions including Barrett's esophagus. Visit Charlotte Gastro to learn more about our digestive health services, or call (704) 377-4009 to schedule with the right specialist for your care.

Have questions about insurance? Our team can verify your coverage and let you know what to expect for out-of-pocket costs.

Group 159
Schedule an appointment
Group 157
Find a location