We are committed to providing high quality healthcare and are delighted you have chosen Southern Gastroenterology Specialists for your Gastrointestinal care including hepatology, biliary care, and cancer prevention.

Jay R. Prakash, MD, FACG

Douglas Lowe II, MD

Srinivasan Ganesan, MD

Sateesh R. Prakash, MD, FACP

Jennifer Stemberger, NP

If so, then chances are you are dealing with heartburn (also referred to as acid reflux). Most people will experience heartburn symptoms at least once in their life; however, it’s those who experience symptoms at least twice a week that should be visiting our gastroenterologists.

What are the symptoms?

The most obvious symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. Drinking alcohol or coffee, or eating spicy, fried, greasy or processed foods often exacerbates this condition. You may notice that the burning or gnawing feeling gets worse after a large meal or when lying down. Along with this telltale symptom, you may also experience:

• Painful or difficulty swallowing

• The sensation that something is stuck in your throat

• Hoarseness

• A persistent sore throat

• A dry cough

How is heartburn treated?

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your symptoms and to prevent heartburn from causing long-term damage to the lining of the esophagus. Heartburn treatment often includes a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications to keep symptoms under control and to help heal any damage. Lifestyle modifications include avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy, heartburn-friendly diet, reducing portion sizes and losing weight (if necessary).

The goal of prescription and over-the-counter heartburn medications is to reduce acid production, neutralize these acids or even block acid production altogether (which is particularly important if you have esophageal damage). If these treatments haven’t controlled your heartburn symptoms, then surgery may be necessary.

Locust Grove Endo Center
4865 Bill Gardner Parkway,
Locust Grove,

GA.30248

Stockbridge Office
1102 Hospital Drive, 

Cason Building

Stockbridge, GA 30281

Riverdale Office 
6555 Professional Place,
Suite B and C,

Riverdale, GA 30281