Woman seeks evaluation and personalized treatment plan for GERD management in Beverly Hills, CA

Acid Reflux & GERD Diagnosis in Los Angeles

Find Out if Your Esophagus Pain is GERD or Acid Reflux

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Older man in Los Angeles with acid reflux, exploring cause and treatment options for heartburn

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. While occasional acid reflux is common, frequent episodes can disrupt daily life and may indicate a more serious condition.

Acid reflux symptoms may include:
  • Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Persistent dry cough or sore throat
At Elite Digestive Health, we help patients identify the cause of acid reflux and create personalized treatment plans to restore comfort and prevent complications.

What is GERD?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic and more severe form of acid reflux. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens or malfunctions, allowing acid to regularly escape the stomach and irritate the lining of the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD may include:
  • Frequent heartburn (2+ times per week)
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Hoarseness or chronic throat clearing
Left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious conditions such as esophagitis, ulcers, or Barrett’s esophagus, a known risk factor for esophageal cancer.
Los Angeles woman with thinning esophagus, discomfort from frequent reflux, GERD symptoms

How Do I Tell the Difference Between GERD and Acid Reflux?

While both conditions involve acid moving into the esophagus, the key difference lies in frequency and severity:

  • Acid reflux is occasional and typically triggered by certain foods or habits.
  • GERD is a chronic condition that can damage the esophagus and requires ongoing medical management.
If you're unsure, it's important to seek evaluation from the most qualified, best GERD GI doctor in Los Angeles, Dr. Benjamin Basseri, to determine the root cause of your symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

How Are GERD and Acid Reflux Diagnosed?

At Elite Digestive Health, we use advanced, evidence-based diagnostics to assess the severity of reflux and identify underlying causes.

Dr. Benjamin Basseri is widely recognized as the best doctor for endoscopy in Los Angeles and specializes in the accurate diagnosis of acid reflux and GERD using the latest tools and technology.

Our diagnostic options may include:
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
A minimally invasive procedure that examines the esophagus and stomach lining for inflammation or damage.
Esophageal pH monitoring
Measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours to confirm acid reflux.
Esophageal manometry
Evaluates how well the muscles of your esophagus work.
Imaging and breath testing
Rules out related conditions such as SIBO or delayed gastric emptying.
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What to Expect During an Acid Reflux and GERD Diagnosis Appointment

When you visit our Beverly Hills office for reflux and GERD evaluation, you can expect:
1

Before

  • A comprehensive consultation and review of your symptoms and history
  • Instructions on whether to stop certain medications prior to testing
2

During

  • Painless, sedation-assisted endoscopy (if needed) to examine esophageal tissue
  • Non-invasive testing, such as pH monitoring or manometry, for a precise diagnosis
3

After

  • Clear explanation of findings
  • A customized treatment plan that may include medication, dietary changes, or lifestyle adjustments
  • Ongoing support from a compassionate and highly trained GI care team

How to Treat GERD

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) often requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and targeted therapies to manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage.

  • Prescription medications to reduce or block acid production (PPIs or H2 blockers)
  • Dietary adjustments to avoid trigger foods like citrus, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy meals
  • Weight management to reduce abdominal pressure that worsens reflux
  • Elevating the head of the bed to prevent nighttime symptoms
  • Esophageal pH testing or manometry to assess severity and guide treatment decisions

How to Treat Acid Reflux

Acid reflux treatment focuses on reducing stomach acid and preventing it from backing up into the esophagus, providing relief from burning, discomfort, and regurgitation.

  • Over-the-counter antacids for occasional, mild symptoms
  • Acid-reducing medications for more frequent episodes
  • Smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overfilling the stomach
  • Avoiding lying down after eating to reduce the chance of acid movement
  • Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About GERD and Acid Reflux

Is GERD curable?
What foods make GERD worse?
How do I know if I need an endoscopy?
Can GERD lead to cancer?

Where to Find the Best GERD Doctor in Los Angeles

Elite Digestive Health in Beverly Hills is home to Dr. Benjamin Basseri, a leading specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux and GERD. As one of the best GERD doctors in Los Angeles,
Dr. Basseri brings years of clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a personalized approach to patient care.
Our convenient Beverly Hills state-of-the-art facility provides:
  • High-definition, minimally invasive endoscopic imaging
  • PillCam capsule endoscopy options
  • Comfort-focused, sedation-assisted procedures
  • Early detection of GERD, ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer
  • A welcoming environment and a team dedicated to your peace of mind
Ready to discover clarity, relief, and better digestive health, and why we’re trusted for the best endoscopies in Los Angeles?
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