GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, referred to as GERD, is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back through the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach. When stomach acid flows back through the esophagus, it is called acid reflux, and this can cause irritation to the lining of the esophagus.

Occasional acid reflux is common and typically does not mean a person has GERD. On the other hand, someone with GERD experiences mild acid reflux at least two times per week, or a moderate to severe bout of reflux at least once weekly.
In most cases, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications can improve GERD symptoms. People who have a more severe case of GERD may require prescription medications or surgery.

Applicable Procedures

EGD

What causes GERD?

There is a band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the esophageal sphincter, and it typically relaxes to allow food to pass into the stomach, and then closes again. GERD occurs when the muscle becomes weak and allows food to flow back up into the esophagus. Certain risk factors, such as obesity, hernia, smoking, eating large meals too late in the evening, or drinking coffee can cause or aggravate GERD. Pregnant women may also be more likely to experience GERD.

Is GERD dangerous?

Mild GERD may be manageable, but over time, more severe cases of GERD can cause damage to the esophagus, leading to scar tissue and difficulty swallowing food. GERD can also lead to complications such as open sores that make it painful to swallow. In some cases, GERD can cause changes in cells of the esophagus, which leads to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus and can increase the risk of cancer.

Should I see a doctor for GERD?

If you have occasional bouts of acid reflux that improve with medication, it may not be necessary to consult with a doctor. On the other hand, if you have severe reflux symptoms or feel the need to take over-the-counter heartburn medications more than two times per week, you should consult with a doctor so you can receive proper treatment and prevent complications from GERD. A doctor can prescribe medications, or in some cases, recommend surgery. It is also helpful to understand that while chest pain can sometimes be a sign of GERD, you should receive immediate medical attention if you have chest pain, as it can be a sign of heart attack.

Common Symptoms

“Soon after eating, I feel a burning sensation in my chest, and it is worse at night.”
“When I have an episode of GERD, I get a sour taste in my mouth and have trouble swallowing.”
“Sometimes I feel as if I have a lump in my throat, and I seem to regurgitate the food I have just eaten.”

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What Our Patients Are Saying

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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Weber for almost a decade. My husband for more than & it was he who recommended Dr. Weber. He’s knowledgeable & well experienced in his field. Plus he’s an all around kind & nice guy. And you’d like how the office & tech staff are trained to run the operation of this practice. Efficient, patient and helpful! I’d feel very comfortable recommending this practice.

Vicki M.

I had a great time. Everyone was very friendly and professional. One nurse said I had nice eyes, which really helped my self esteem. Dr. Willie was fantastic. His concern about having magenta ink for the printer really shows what a caring man he is. The pictures turned out great. I framed them and hung them up on my wall at home. But, seriously the experience was pleasant. Thank you to everyone involved.

Terry M.

Lord knows having a colonoscopy is zero fun. The prep nearly did me in. But after arriving at suite 270 every single person was pleasant and efficient. The attention to cleanliness in the office is very apparent and appreciated. Every employee introduced themselves by name, apologized for an IV that took two tries and made sure I was as comfortable as can be before I was ready to leave. However, I’m going to enjoy every minute of the five years before I need to return!

Marie C.

I have been here several times and have always been treated great. The receptionist are so kind and the nurses are wonderful so is the anesthesia person are so kind and answers any concerns you might have. My Dr Bologna is awesome. This is the place to go if you need endoscopy or colonoscopy. Thank all the staff for being so kind

Debbie A.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Ronald Fogel MDCM, MHSA

Freeha Khan MD

Partha S. Nandi

Leonard G. Quallich III MD

Aditi Saxena MD

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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