Gastroenterologist in Palm Beach | HCA Florida JFK Hospital

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) doctors in Palm Beach, Florida

If you're tired of experiencing reflux and want relief from your symptoms, we can help.

We know your digestive health is an essential key to overall optimal health. That's why, at HCA Florida JFK Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for heartburn, reflux and GERD.

Related specialties

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Gastroenterology

Heartburn and GERD diagnostics and treatments

We offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options if you have reflux disorders such as GERD. Our services include:

Diagnosing GERD

We perform our gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic procedures at one convenient location. Our services include:

Endoscopy⁠ — A camera is placed through the mouth to visualize the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
Esophageal manometry — A thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through your mouth or nose into your stomach to measure the effectiveness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
pH probe⁠ test — A tube is placed in the nose and rests in your esophagus to measure the frequency and duration of acidic fluid refluxing into the esophagus.

GERD treatment options

If you are diagnosed with GERD, we will work with you to determine the best method of treatment to meet your needs. Treatment options we offer include:

Nonsurgical treatments

Treating early-stage GERD usually centers on a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes, over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drug regimens.

If the disease continues to progress, to correct the root cause, the LES may need to be fixed through acid reflux surgery.

Lifestyle and diet modifications

Most people with GERD find that their symptoms are more serious at night. It is recommended to elevate the upper body when lying in bed.

Smoking is a significant contributor to GERD. Smoking reduces the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby promoting reflux. Smoking also increases the chance of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Several changes in eating and lifestyle habits can be beneficial in treating GERD, including:

Adjust medication (as advised by your doctor)
Be more active
Control alcohol and tobacco use
Eat smaller, frequent meals and earlier evening meals
Loosen clothing
Modify sleeping position (elevate upper body)
Reduce trigger foods, such as alcohol, caffeine and spicy, fatty and acidic foods
Stay upright as often as possible

Over-the-counter medications

Often over-the-counter medications can help control and limit the symptoms associated with GERD, such as heartburn. These medications may include:

Antacids
H2 blockers, also called histamine antagonists
Proton pump inhibitors
Promotility drugs, such as metoclopramide

Medications can be very effective in treating mild to moderate GERD but tend to lose their effectiveness over time. They also do not treat the underlying cause of reflux: the deteriorated anatomy of the LES. Therefore, life-long medication therapy is required.

NOTE: Always talk to your doctor before taking any type of medication.

GERD surgery

Medications only treat GERD symptoms, not the underlying cause, so acid reflux surgical options may be the best route for you.

Surgical options may include:

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)
Nissen fundoplication

The difference between heartburn, acid reflux and GERD

The terms heartburn, acid reflux and GERD are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different.

Understanding each condition:

Acid reflux is the process of stomach acid refluxing back into the esophagus. It indicates a structural problem with the LES.
GERD is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. A GERD diagnosis indicates that you are experiencing acid reflux more than two times per week on a consistent basis.
Heartburn refers to a burning sensation in the chest, but it is actually taking place in the esophagus. Heartburn is not a condition, but rather a common symptom of both acid reflux and GERD.