Patient Education
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Thoughtful, lasting relief from chronic acid reflux — guided by attentive primary care that treats the cause, not just the heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the chronic backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation that can disrupt sleep, meals, and daily comfort. As your Los Angeles primary care physician, Dr. Golian helps you find lasting relief through a calm, personalized plan that pairs acid-reducing therapy with practical lifestyle changes — and recognizes when reflux overlaps with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or weight management.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
- Burning chest discomfort (heartburn), often after meals or when lying down
- Regurgitation of food or a sour, acidic taste in the throat
- A persistent dry cough, hoarseness, or the feeling of a lump in the throat
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Disrupted sleep from nighttime reflux
- Warning signs that need prompt evaluation: trouble swallowing, unintended weight loss, vomiting, or black stools
Causes & Risk Factors
- A weakened lower esophageal sphincter that allows acid to flow back up
- Excess weight or central abdominal pressure
- Hiatal hernia
- Trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, fatty or spicy meals, and citrus
- Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating
- Smoking and pregnancy
How Dr. Golian Manages Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Dr. Golian begins by listening carefully to your symptoms and reviewing your meals, habits, and any medications that may worsen reflux through a thorough medication review. Most patients respond well to a step-wise plan that combines targeted PPI or H2-blocker therapy with tailored diet and lifestyle adjustments, with the goal of using the lowest effective dose over time.
When symptoms persist, involve difficulty swallowing, or raise concern for complications, she coordinates a gastroenterology referral. Because she practices unhurried Direct Primary Care, you have the time and access to fine-tune your treatment until you feel genuinely better.
Living Well With Reflux
Small, steady changes often make the biggest difference: eating smaller meals, avoiding food within three hours of bedtime, elevating the head of your bed, and identifying your personal triggers. For many patients, gradual weight management meaningfully reduces reflux and the need for long-term medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is it bad to take acid reflux medication every day?
2How do I know if my heartburn is GERD or something more serious?
3What foods should I avoid with acid reflux?
4When would I need to see a gastroenterologist?
5Can losing weight really help my reflux?
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Find Lasting Relief from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Let's get to the root of your reflux with a calm, personalized plan built around your life.
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