Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Comprehensive GERD Treatment in Chicago, Oak Brook & Hinsdale

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid and digestive contents flow backward into the esophagus. This reflux may irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life and long-term digestive health.

Occasional acid reflux is common, but frequent or severe reflux may indicate GERD and should be evaluated by a specialist. At Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center, Dr. Jihad Kudsi provides advanced evaluation and minimally invasive treatment for GERD and other foregut disorders affecting patients throughout Chicago and nearby suburban communities.

Symptoms of GERD

GERD symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant digestive complications. Common symptoms include:

Persistent heartburn
Acid regurgitation
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Chest discomfort
Chronic cough
Hoarseness or sore throat
Feeling of food sticking in the throat
Bloating or indigestion
Worsening symptoms after meals or while lying down

Some patients may also experience sleep disturbances or respiratory symptoms related to acid reflux.

Causes & Risk Factors

GERD commonly develops when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve separating the esophagus from the stomach, becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately.

Risk factors may include:

Obesity
Hiatal hernia
Pregnancy
Smoking
Certain foods or beverages
Delayed stomach emptying
Large meals
Lying down after eating

Untreated GERD may lead to inflammation, narrowing of the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus, or other complications.

Diagnosis of GERD

Proper evaluation is important to determine the severity of reflux and identify associated conditions.

Diagnostic testing may include:

Upper endoscopy (EGD)
Esophageal pH testing
Esophageal manometry
Upper GI imaging studies
Evaluation for hiatal hernia

These tests help assess esophageal irritation, acid exposure, and esophageal function.

Treatment Options for GERD

Treatment depends on symptom severity, lifestyle factors, and the patient’s overall digestive health.

Lifestyle & Dietary Changes

Many patients benefit from conservative measures such as:

Avoiding trigger foods
Eating smaller meals
Avoiding late-night eating
Weight management
Smoking cessation
Elevating the head during sleep

Lifestyle modification may significantly improve reflux symptoms in some patients.

Medical Management

Medications may help reduce acid production and improve symptoms. Treatment may include:

Antacids
H2 blockers
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Long-term medication management may be appropriate for selected patients under physician supervision.

Minimally Invasive & Robotic GERD Surgery

For patients with persistent symptoms or complications despite medical treatment, surgery may be recommended.

Dr. Jihad Kudsi specializes in advanced minimally invasive and robotic foregut surgery for GERD and hiatal hernia repair. Surgical treatment aims to restore the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and reduce reflux.

Fundoplication Surgery

Fundoplication is a minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly performed to treat GERD. During the procedure, the upper portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier.

Benefits of minimally invasive GERD surgery may include:

Long-term reflux relief
Reduced dependence on medications
Improved swallowing function
Smaller incisions
Faster recovery
Reduced postoperative discomfort

Robotic-assisted techniques may provide improved visualization and surgical precision during complex foregut procedures.

Complications of Untreated GERD

Without proper treatment, GERD may contribute to:

Esophagitis
Esophageal strictures
Barrett’s esophagus
Chronic cough or asthma symptoms
Dental erosion
Difficulty swallowing

Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Expert Foregut & Digestive Surgical Care

Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center is led by Dr. Jihad Kudsi, a nationally recognized surgeon specializing in minimally invasive, robotic, bariatric, and foregut surgery. Dr. Kudsi provides personalized treatment plans using advanced surgical techniques to help patients achieve long-term digestive health and symptom relief.

The practice offers comprehensive GERD and reflux care for patients throughout Chicago, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, and surrounding communities.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing chronic heartburn, reflux, swallowing difficulty, or other symptoms of GERD, contact Chicago Metabolic & Digestive Surgery Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about available treatment options.

For in-depth information please visit Dr. Kudsi’s website: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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