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GERD & Acid Reflux Treatment in Katy, TX

Chronic heartburn that won't go away deserves more than antacids. Dr. Maher identifies the root cause of your acid reflux and builds a treatment plan that actually works.

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Root-Cause Diagnosis

More than another antacid prescription

Barrett's Monitoring

Long-term surveillance when needed

One Doctor Throughout

No rotating providers, no rushed visits

What Is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is what happens when stomach acid flows backward into your esophagus on a regular basis. Everyone experiences occasional heartburn. GERD is different.

GERD means acid reflux is happening frequently enough to irritate and potentially damage the lining of your esophagus. If you deal with heartburn two or more times a week, or if over-the-counter medications have stopped helping, your body is telling you something.

Dr. Maher can help you figure out what is causing it — and fix it, not just mask it.

Signs That Acid Reflux Has Become GERD

GERD shows up differently in different patients. These are the most common signs.

Frequent Heartburn

A burning sensation in your chest that keeps coming back, especially after meals or when lying down. This is the most common symptom of GERD.

Regurgitation

A sour or bitter taste in your mouth from stomach acid or undigested food rising into your throat — even without warning.

Difficulty Swallowing

Food feels like it gets stuck or moves slowly through your chest. This can signal narrowing of the esophagus from repeated acid exposure.

Chronic Cough or Hoarse Voice

Acid that reaches your throat can irritate your airways, causing a persistent cough, sore throat, or hoarseness that does not improve with typical treatments.

Chest Pain

Pressure or burning behind the breastbone that can mimic heart problems. Always rule out cardiac causes first — then see a gastroenterologist.

Disrupted Sleep

Lying flat allows acid to travel more easily into the esophagus. Many GERD patients wake up with heartburn or a sour taste during the night.

Why GERD Happens

At the bottom of your esophagus sits a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter. Its job is to open when you swallow and close to keep stomach acid where it belongs. When that muscle weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, acid escapes upward.

Several factors make this more likely. Dr. Maher will help identify which ones apply to your situation:

  • Obesity or excess weight
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • Large meals or late-night eating
  • Certain medications
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Tight clothing or belt pressure
GERD acid reflux doctor consultation Katy TX

What Happens When GERD Goes Untreated

Occasional heartburn is uncomfortable. Chronic, untreated GERD is damaging. Over time, repeated acid exposure can create a predictable chain of complications:

Chronic Reflux

Acid repeatedly enters the esophagus

→

Esophageal Inflammation

Irritation and ulcers form

→

Stricture

Scar tissue narrows the esophagus

→

Barrett's Esophagus

Precancerous cell changes develop

→

Esophageal Cancer

Elevated risk without surveillance

These complications are preventable with proper diagnosis and treatment. That is why persistent symptoms deserve more than another bottle of antacids.

Catching GERD early protects your esophagus for the long term.

How We Diagnose GERD

A thorough evaluation before a single prescription is written.

1

Your Consultation

Dr. Maher starts by listening. He reviews your symptoms, how long you have had them, what makes them better or worse, what you have already tried, and your full medical history. Many patients can be diagnosed based on this conversation alone.

2

Diagnostic Testing (If Needed)

When symptoms are severe, long-standing, or not responding to treatment, Dr. Maher may recommend:

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) — to visually examine your esophagus for inflammation, ulcers, or Barrett's esophagus
  • Ambulatory pH monitoring — to measure how much acid reaches your esophagus over a 24-hour period
  • Esophageal manometry — to test how well your esophageal muscles and sphincter are functioning

Dr. Maher personally performs every endoscopy at our Katy office.

3

Your Treatment Plan

Once the cause and severity are clear, Dr. Maher builds a plan tailored to you. No two patients get the same generic prescription. He also determines whether Barrett's esophagus surveillance is needed and builds that into your ongoing care.

Treatment That Goes Beyond Antacids

Three tiers of care, tailored to where you are and what your esophagus needs.

Lifestyle Modifications

For many patients, targeted changes make a significant difference. Dr. Maher discusses the specific triggers and habits that apply to your situation — diet adjustments, meal timing, weight management, sleep positioning — rather than handing you a generic list.

Medication Management

When lifestyle changes are not enough, Dr. Maher prescribes proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or other acid-reducing medications at the right strength and duration. He monitors your response and adjusts as needed rather than leaving you on the same prescription indefinitely.

Ongoing Monitoring

Patients with long-standing GERD or Barrett's esophagus need regular surveillance through periodic endoscopy. Dr. Maher manages your care over time so that any changes in the esophageal lining are caught early — before they become something serious.

Learn about upper endoscopy →

Why Patients in Katy Choose Dr. Maher for GERD

Most patients arrive at our office after months or years of managing their symptoms alone. Dr. Maher takes the time to understand what you have been through, explains your options in plain language, and stays with your case from diagnosis through treatment.

No rushed visits. No rotating doctors. One gastroenterologist who knows your history — and your esophagus.

Board Certification

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

Personal Care

One Doctor, Every Visit

Endoscopy On-Site

Dr. Maher Performs Every Procedure

Barrett's Surveillance

Built Into Your Long-Term Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about GERD symptoms, Barrett's esophagus, medication, endoscopy, and what to expect from treatment.

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When should I see a gastroenterologist instead of managing heartburn on my own?
If you experience heartburn two or more times per week, if over-the-counter medications are no longer effective, or if you have symptoms like difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, or chest pain, it is time to see a specialist. Dr. Maher can determine whether your symptoms are caused by GERD and whether any damage has already occurred.

Is GERD curable?
GERD is a chronic condition, but it is very manageable. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and ongoing monitoring, most patients achieve significant symptom relief and prevent complications. The goal is long-term control, not just short-term relief.

Will I need an endoscopy?
Not always. Many patients are diagnosed based on their symptoms and medical history. Dr. Maher recommends an upper endoscopy when symptoms are severe, long-standing, not improving with treatment, or when he needs to check for complications like Barrett's esophagus.
Learn more on our Upper Endoscopy page →

Can GERD cause cancer?
Chronic, untreated GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous change in the esophageal lining. Barrett's esophagus does increase the risk of esophageal cancer, but the risk remains low and is further reduced with regular monitoring. Early detection and treatment of GERD is the best prevention.

Do I have to take medication forever?
Not necessarily. Some patients are able to manage GERD through lifestyle changes alone. Others need medication for a period of time while the esophagus heals. Dr. Maher regularly reassesses your treatment plan and adjusts it based on how you are responding — rather than leaving you on the same prescription indefinitely.

Does diet really matter?
Yes. Certain foods and habits make reflux worse, including fatty or fried foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, eating large meals, and lying down soon after eating. Dr. Maher will help you identify your personal triggers rather than handing you a generic list that may not apply to your situation.

Will Dr. Maher be my doctor throughout the entire process?
Yes. From your first consultation through any procedures and ongoing management, Dr. Maher is your doctor at every step. He does not rotate patients between providers, and he does not hand off long-term cases to other staff.

Stop Living With Chronic Heartburn

You do not have to keep reaching for antacids and hoping it gets better. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Maher and get a real answer about what is causing your symptoms.

Schedule an Appointment Call (346) 637-4874

Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM  |  Fri 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
19255 Park Row #104, Houston, TX 77084