Imagine if the bitter taste in the back of your throat went away, or managing your irritated throat, or decreasing your constant throat clearing…
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that allows acid and digestive enzymes from your stomach to come up via the esophagus into your throat, causing significant irritation, cough, and discomfort. We can help you manage GERD, heartburn, and reflux.
Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means to flow back or return. Therefore, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus and perhaps to the throat.
In normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes.
Depending on what triggers your symptoms, changes in your diet or lifestyle may be recommended to help alleviate your symptoms.
GERD is diagnosed by carefully listening to you about your symptoms, examining your throat and voice box, at times with a flexible fiberoptic scope, and possibly performing a pH test with a special probe.
GERD is managed through diet, lifestyle changes, and medications such as PPI’s and H2 blockers. Dr. Holmes and his staff will design a program specific to your needs.
COVID Policy effective 08/16/2021: Due to the exponential rise of Delta variant cases including breakthrough cases, for your safety and that of our staff members’ we require anyone entering our office, 12 years of age or older to bring proof of vaccination administered at least 3 weeks prior, OR a negative PCR (not a rapid) test result within 3 days of the appointment. Additionally, all individuals must wear a mask covering BOTH the nose and mouth at all times except during Dr. Holmes’ examination.
PLEASE NOTE: This applies to all family members, caretakers, translators, and vendors in addition to patients.
We prefer that only one parent accompany a child (no siblings please) and that adults come alone if able. 100% of our staff are fully vaccinated and always masked. We disinfect rooms between patients and control for social distancing. We are committed to excellence in all aspects of patient care and to the health and prosperity of our community! Thank you for trusting our practice and taking the precautions necessary to minimize the risk of Covid 19.
For information about free vaccination and testing sites, click here.
