Stony Brook Esophageal Center

At Stony Brook Medicine, our teams are comprised of world-class physicians offering the latest technology and state-of-the-art care for patients with GERD.

Evaluating GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

What is GERD? 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, sometimes referred to as GERD, is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid or bile repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach, which is your esophagus. If you experience acid reflux or heartburn (burning pain or discomfort in your chest, behind your breastbone, and sometimes in your neck or throat) twice-a-week or more, you may have GERD.

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include:
• heartburn • regurgitation • nausea • ulcers • stricture • asthma • chronic cough • voice changes • recurrent lung infections • changes in the lining of the esophagus, called Barrett's esophagus.

Who can diagnose and treat GERD?

We have specialized medical expertise and technically advanced procedures here at Stony Brook. Our multidisciplinary team includes gastroenterologists, motility specialists, interventional endoscopists and surgeons. We all work together to evaluate, diagnose, and treat complex diseases and disorders of the esophagus and stomach.

What's the treatment for GERD?

We often treat GERD with lifestyle modifications and medications, but not all patients respond to these treatments. Our physicians may recommend endoscopic procedures and motility testing for further evaluation of symptoms of GERD. These tests help our team decide which type of intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of GERD that are not responding to traditional therapies. An overview of testing and treatment options are described below.  

We have different teams who specialize in diagnosing and treating GERD.