🔥 GERD with Hiatal Hernia – Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
🌟 Understanding GERD and Hiatal Hernia
Do you ever feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating, or notice acid rising into your throat? You might be experiencing GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) — a common condition that affects people of all ages, especially as we get older.
When GERD occurs alongside a hiatal hernia — where part of the stomach slides up into the chest — symptoms can be more frequent or severe. The good news? With proper diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and treatment guidance, most people find real relief.
🔎 What Causes GERD and Hiatal Hernia
🍔 Large or fatty meals: Relax the muscle between your stomach and esophagus
🛌 Lying down too soon after eating
⚖️ Excess body weight: Increases abdominal pressure
🚬 Smoking: Weakens the esophageal sphincter
☕ Caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and spicy foods
🧬 Age-related muscle changes: The diaphragm weakens, allowing the hernia to form
🚨 Common Symptoms
🔥 Heartburn (burning pain behind the breastbone)
🤢 Regurgitation (acid or food coming back up)
😖 Difficulty swallowing or feeling “something stuck”
🗣️ Hoarseness, sore throat, or chronic cough
😴 Nighttime reflux or disrupted sleep
⚠️ Risks of Untreated GERD with Hiatal Hernia
If not properly managed, GERD can lead to:
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Ulcers or bleeding
Narrowing (strictures) causing swallowing trouble
Barrett’s esophagus (pre-cancerous changes)
Chronic respiratory irritation or cough
🧬 What’s Happening Inside the Body by Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX
Normally, a tight band of muscle (the lower esophageal sphincter) acts like a valve to keep stomach acid where it belongs. In GERD, this muscle relaxes too often. A hiatal hernia pushes part of the stomach upward through the diaphragm, making it easier for acid to escape and harder for the body to prevent reflux.
🌱 Lifestyle Tips for Relief
Small daily changes can make a big difference:
🕐 Eat smaller, more frequent meals
🍽️ Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating
⛔ Limit spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (like tomato, citrus, coffee)
🚭 Quit smoking
⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight
🛌 Sleep with your upper body elevated
💧 Stay hydrated but avoid large fluid intake with meals
💊 Treatment Options
🩺 Medical Management
Your Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX can evaluate your symptoms and may recommend:
Acid-reducing medications (like proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers)
Antacids for quick relief
Prokinetic agents (for slow digestion or reflux-related motility issues)
Testing such as endoscopy or imaging if symptoms persist
🌿 Natural & Supportive Options
Chamomile or ginger tea for mild relief
Avoiding tight clothing around the waist
Gentle exercise after meals (like walking)
💡 Important Reminder
Supplements or natural remedies are not a substitute for prescribed medications or professional treatment.They can be used as supportive options under your doctor’s guidance to complement your care plan — not to replace it.
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we focus on creating a personalized plan for each patient — balancing effective medical therapy with sustainable lifestyle habits that fit your life.
❓ Top 10 FAQs About GERD and Hiatal Hernia
Can a hiatal hernia cause GERD?👉 Yes—by allowing stomach acid to move more easily into the esophagus.
Is GERD dangerous?👉 Not usually, but untreated reflux can cause long-term damage to the esophagus.
Can lifestyle changes alone fix it?👉 Sometimes, especially for mild symptoms, but many need medication too.
Does stress make reflux worse?👉 Yes—stress can tighten abdominal muscles and increase acid production.
Can weight loss help?👉 Absolutely—even a few pounds can reduce reflux episodes.
Should I avoid eating before bedtime?👉 Yes—stop eating at least 3 hours before lying down.
Is surgery ever needed?👉 Rarely, but sometimes for large or symptomatic hernias that don’t improve with medicine.
Can GERD mimic heart pain?👉 Yes, but chest pain should always be checked by a doctor to rule out heart problems.
Can I still enjoy coffee or chocolate?👉 In moderation, yes—try limiting portions and tracking triggers.
Who should I see for evaluation?👉 An Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX can diagnose and manage GERD safely and effectively.
👩⚕️ When to See a Doctor
Schedule a visit if you experience:
Heartburn more than twice per week
Difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss
Cough, hoarseness, or throat irritation that won’t go away
Chest pain that might be heart- or reflux-related
📍 At Wellness Bay, we take time to listen, identify triggers, and build a custom plan that helps you feel better and prevent future flare-ups — because your comfort matters.
👩⚕️ When to See a Doctor
Call or visit us if:
Cramps are frequent or worsening
You feel weakness or numbness in your legs
Swelling, redness, or pain accompany cramps
You take new medications that might contribute
📍 At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we’ll evaluate your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle to create a personalized plan that brings relief safely—so you can move with confidence again.
💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together
The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.
📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX
📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online
Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:
Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX
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