Home › GERD Symptoms & Treatment in Katy
Acid Reflux & GERD Care in Katy
GERD Symptoms & Treatment in Katy, TX
Heartburn more than twice a week, a sour taste in your mouth, or food coming back up after meals can be signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At the United Gastroenterology Associates office in Katy, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan confirms whether reflux is the cause, checks the esophagus for damage when needed, and builds a GERD treatment plan that lets you eat and sleep comfortably again.
GERD care at the Katy office
Meet Your Katy Acid Reflux Specialist: Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
BOARD-CERTIFIED Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
CREDENTIALS AT A GLANCE
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, United Gastroenterology Associates
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist who sees patients at the United Gastroenterology Associates offices in Cypress and Katy. He diagnoses and treats GERD and acid reflux, and performs upper endoscopy to check the esophagus when needed.
Dr. Khan earned his medical degree at Dow Medical College, completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Toledo, and completed a gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and as an Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
He is board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine, is a Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE) and the American College of Physicians (FACP), and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles. Read Dr. Khan’s full profile.
Professional Memberships
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Fellow)
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Physicians (Fellow)
- Texas Medical Association
- Texas Society of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy
Areas of Care
- GERD and acid reflux
- Esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hiatal hernia
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Esophageal pH monitoring
What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a long-term condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus often enough to cause troublesome symptoms or damage. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle valve between the esophagus and stomach, relaxes at the wrong time or does not close well.
Almost everyone has occasional reflux after a large meal. It becomes GERD when symptoms happen regularly, typically twice a week or more, disrupt sleep or daily life, or cause inflammation of the esophagus.
GERD overview · Understanding heartburn and acid reflux · Is acid reflux dangerous?
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
What Are the Symptoms of GERD?
GERD symptoms often appear after meals, when lying down, or when bending over. They may be worse at night.
When to seek emergency care
Chest pain can come from the heart. Call 911 for chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw.
Common GERD symptoms
- Heartburn: a burning feeling behind the breastbone
- Regurgitation of sour liquid or food
- Chest discomfort after eating
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- A feeling of a lump in the throat
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Bad breath or dental erosion
- Disturbed sleep from night-time reflux
Not everyone with GERD has heartburn. These symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.
What Triggers GERD Symptoms?
Some factors weaken the valve or increase pressure on the stomach. Knowing yours helps treatment work better.
Large or Late Meals
A full stomach, especially within three hours of lying down, pushes acid upward.
Certain Foods and Drinks
Fatty or fried foods, chocolate, mint, coffee, alcohol, citrus, tomato and spicy foods trigger symptoms for many people.
Extra Body Weight
Weight around the abdomen increases pressure on the stomach and the valve.
Hiatal Hernia
When part of the stomach slides above the diaphragm, the barrier against reflux weakens.
Smoking
Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and reduces protective saliva.
Pregnancy and Some Medicines
Hormones and certain medicines can relax the valve or irritate the esophagus.
More about foods and GERD and stress and reflux.
Get GERD Relief in Katy
If heartburn or regurgitation happens most weeks or keeps you up at night, Dr. Khan can evaluate your symptoms at the Katy office on I-10.
How Is GERD Diagnosed?
Typical heartburn and regurgitation often point to GERD. Testing is added when symptoms are atypical, do not respond to treatment, or warning signs are present.
Symptom Review and Treatment Trial
For classic symptoms without warning signs, a short course of acid-reducing medication can help confirm the diagnosis.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A camera exam of the esophagus and stomach looks for inflammation, narrowing, hiatal hernia and Barrett’s esophagus.
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Measures how often acid reaches the esophagus over 24 to 96 hours, and whether symptoms match reflux episodes.
Esophageal manometry may be used before anti-reflux procedures to check how the esophagus moves.
GERD Treatment Options
Most people with GERD find relief with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Procedures are an option when those are not enough.
Lifestyle Changes
Smaller meals, finishing dinner three hours before bed, raising the head of the bed, weight loss and avoiding personal triggers.
Antacids and H2 Blockers
Short-acting options for occasional or mild symptoms.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Stronger acid suppression for frequent symptoms and healing of esophagitis, taken as directed and reviewed over time.
Endoscopic and Surgical Options
For selected patients, anti-reflux procedures such as fundoplication can strengthen the barrier; Dr. Khan can refer you to a surgeon when appropriate.
This information is educational and is not a treatment plan. Do not start or stop medication without medical advice. About reflux medicines.
When Is GERD More Serious?
Long-standing reflux can damage the esophagus. See a doctor promptly for:- Difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck
- Painful swallowing
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Unintentional weight loss
- Anemia
- Heartburn that continues despite daily medication
- Frequent heartburn for many years, especially in men over 50
These can signal esophagitis, a narrowing (stricture) or Barrett’s esophagus, which need evaluation with endoscopy.
Heartburn every day despite medication · Difficulty swallowing
GERD Care Near Katy: Driving Distances
These communities are a short drive from the Katy office on the Katy Freeway.
Katy
About 2.4 miles, roughly 5 minutes to the Katy office.
Mayde Creek
About 7.7 miles, roughly 17 minutes to the Katy office.
Eldridge
About 12.4 miles, roughly 22 minutes to the Katy office.
West Oaks
About 12.7 miles, roughly 23 minutes to the Katy office.
Mission Bend
About 14.4 miles, roughly 24 minutes to the Katy office.
Sugar Land
About 19.5 miles, roughly 28 minutes to the Katy office.
Distances and times are estimates from OpenStreetMap driving routes without traffic, measured from the center of each community. Actual travel time depends on traffic and your exact starting point. GERD care for other areas: Cypress · Fulshear · Houston · Rosenberg.
Visit Our Katy Office for GERD Care
Dr. Khan sees patients with GERD and acid reflux at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, on the Katy Freeway (I-10) frontage road just west of the Grand Parkway (TX-99). Patients from Mayde Creek and Eldridge usually take I-10 west, and patients from Mission Bend and Sugar Land often use the Westpark Tollway or the Grand Parkway. The building has parking and elevator access to Suite 555.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Katy Office
Katy office – Katy Freeway (I-10) near the Grand Parkway
- Address: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
Get directions to the Katy office · Katy gastroenterologist · Endoscopy in Katy
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
United Gastroenterology Associates accepts most major insurance plans, including the carriers shown here. Coverage for visits, testing, and procedures depends on your plan, so the office verifies your benefits before your appointment. Self-pay options are available.
A carrier logo does not guarantee coverage for a specific plan or service. Call (346) 340-4414 to confirm your benefits.
What Patients Say About Dr. Khan
These reviews were shared by patients of United Gastroenterology Associates and are published on the practice website.
“Dr. Khan is an exceptionally kind and compassionate physician. He truly listens to his patients and takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. His treatment plans are straightforward and easy to understand, and he provides a very personalized, attentive level of care. I felt respected, heard, and genuinely cared for throughout my visit.”
Maria Andreina Behrens · Katy
“Dr Kahn and his staff are AWESOME. He is thorough, kind, listens and puts you at ease. The staff are patient and very helpful. I was so afraid of having a colonscopy. Dr Kahn was wonderful. My procedure went so well. It was over and done with in what seemed like a minute! So expect that! Dr Kahn is excellent, I trust him completely. And I recommend him, and his staff.”
Steph Apie · Fulshear
“Dr. Khan is an amazing physician. He is so kind hearted & wants to help you in every way possible. He listens & doesn’t make you feel rushed. I feel so comfortable talking to him about anything. I am so glad to have him as my gastro doctor. His staff is outstanding as well. Shout out to Dr. Khan & his staff.”
Donna LaPlante · Cypress
How to Schedule a GERD Appointment
Scheduling with United Gastroenterology Associates takes three steps. Request an appointment online or by phone and choose the Cypress or Katy office.
Request an appointment
Call (346) 340-4414 or use the online request form and choose “Acid Reflux / GERD” as the reason for your visit.
Share your records
Bring recent lab results, imaging reports, a medication list, and any referral. The office verifies your insurance or explains self-pay options.
Meet Dr. Khan
Dr. Khan reviews your history and results, explains what they mean, and recommends next steps, which may include further testing.
GERD in Katy: FAQs
Answers to common questions about GERD symptoms and treatment at the Katy office.
What is the difference between acid reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. GERD is the chronic condition where reflux happens often enough to cause troublesome symptoms or damage.
How often does heartburn need to happen to be GERD?
Heartburn or regurgitation twice a week or more, or symptoms that disrupt sleep or daily life, suggest GERD and should be evaluated.
Can GERD be cured?
GERD is usually a long-term condition, but most people control it well with lifestyle changes and medication. Some benefit from anti-reflux procedures.
Do I need an endoscopy for GERD?
Not always. Endoscopy is recommended for warning signs, symptoms that do not respond to treatment, or long-standing GERD with risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus.
Is it safe to take reflux medicine long-term?
Many people take acid-reducing medicine long-term safely. Dr. Khan reviews whether you still need it and uses the lowest effective dose.
Can GERD cause chest pain?
Yes, but chest pain can also come from the heart. Any new or severe chest pain should be evaluated urgently. Acid reflux and chest pain.
Where can I get GERD treatment in Katy?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan sees patients at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment online.
Schedule GERD Treatment in Katy
Stop planning meals and sleep around heartburn. Book a visit with Dr. Khan at the Katy office to confirm the cause and start a treatment plan that works. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment online.
Stay informed
Get The Latest
Digestive Discomfort? When to Consult a Gastroenterologist
Consulting with a gastroenterologist can lead to more accurate detection of polyps and cancer, fewer complications from procedures, and shorter hospital stays. So, for individuals experiencing digestive issues or in need of screening, reaching out to a gastroenterologist for expert care is recommended. Read More
Understanding Your Digestive System, Symptoms and Causes
The digestive system is composed of many parts, including the G.I. tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, so it’s no surprise that symptoms in these areas can vary widely. Some symptoms can be mild, indicating something as simple as eating questionable leftovers. Learn More
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults. niddk.nih.gov
- Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27–56. doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538
This page provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Chest pain can have heart-related causes; call 911 for chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. For a medical emergency, call 911. Content reviewed by United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC. Last updated September 27, 2026.