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Reflux Care for Fulshear Patients
GERD & Silent Reflux Symptoms Near Fulshear, TX
Not all reflux burns. Hoarseness, a constant need to clear your throat, a lingering cough or the feeling of a lump in your throat can be signs of silent reflux. Fulshear patients see board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan at the United Gastroenterology Associates office in Katy, about 13.7 miles (roughly 21 minutes) away, for evaluation and treatment of GERD and silent reflux.
Serving Fulshear from the Katy office
Meet Your Acid Reflux Specialist Serving Fulshear: 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 evaluates GERD, silent reflux and swallowing problems for patients from Fulshear, Katy and west Fort Bend County, and performs upper endoscopy.
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
- Silent reflux (LPR)
- Reflux-related cough and hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Esophageal pH monitoring
Where Can Fulshear Patients Get GERD Care?
The closest United Gastroenterology Associates office to Fulshear is at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494. From Fulshear, most patients take FM 1093 or the Westpark Tollway east to the Grand Parkway (TX-99), then head north to I-10.
Dr. Khan evaluates classic GERD and silent reflux, performs upper endoscopy and arranges pH monitoring when needed, and follows your treatment. Call (346) 340-4414 to schedule.
Get directions to the Katy office · Gastroenterologist near Fulshear
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 Is Silent Reflux?
Silent reflux, also called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), happens when stomach contents travel all the way up to the throat and voice box. The tissues there are more sensitive than the esophagus, so even small amounts of reflux can cause irritation.
It is called “silent” because many people with LPR have little or no heartburn. Instead, the symptoms show up in the throat, voice and airways, and are often mistaken for allergies or a lingering cold.
Silent reflux can occur on its own or together with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Because throat symptoms have many causes, evaluation sometimes involves both a gastroenterologist and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Silent Reflux Symptoms
Silent reflux symptoms are often worse in the morning or after meals:
Common silent reflux symptoms
- Hoarseness or a changing voice
- Frequent throat clearing
- Chronic cough
- A feeling of a lump in the throat
- Sore or burning throat
- Excess mucus or postnasal drip
- Difficulty swallowing
- Asthma-like symptoms or wheezing
These symptoms have many possible causes and should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.
Classic GERD vs. Silent Reflux
Both involve reflux, but they show up differently.
Classic GERD
Mainly heartburn and regurgitation, often after meals and at night. Symptoms are felt in the chest.
Silent Reflux (LPR)
Mainly throat and voice symptoms, often with little heartburn. Frequently occurs during the day and when upright.
Shared Triggers
Large or late meals, fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and smoking.
Shared Treatment Principles
Lifestyle changes, acid-reducing medicine when appropriate, and follow-up to confirm improvement.
Fulshear Patients: Get Your Reflux Evaluated
Dr. Khan sees Fulshear patients with GERD and silent reflux at the Katy office, about 21 minutes away by the Grand Parkway.
How Reflux Is Evaluated
Testing helps confirm that reflux is truly causing your symptoms.
Symptom History
Timing of symptoms, triggers, voice and throat changes, and response to past treatment.
Upper Endoscopy
Looks at the esophagus and stomach for inflammation, hiatal hernia and other findings.
pH or pH-Impedance Monitoring
Measures reflux episodes and whether they line up with your symptoms, which is especially useful for silent reflux.
Treatment for GERD and Silent Reflux
Treatment combines several approaches and is adjusted based on how you respond.
Meal Timing
Stopping food and drink two to three hours before bed and avoiding large meals.
Trigger Reduction
Cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, mint and fatty foods.
Sleeping Position
Raising the head of the bed and sleeping on the left side.
Acid-Reducing Medicine
Used when appropriate and reviewed over time; silent reflux sometimes needs a longer course.
Voice and Throat Care
Hydration and voice rest; referral to ENT when throat findings need a closer look.
Procedures for Selected Patients
Anti-reflux procedures may be considered when symptoms persist despite treatment and testing confirms reflux.
This information is educational. Do not start or stop medication without medical advice.
Driving Distances From Fulshear-Area Communities
Fulshear-area neighborhoods are served by the Katy office.
Fulshear
About 13.7 miles, roughly 21 minutes to the Katy office.
Polo Ranch
About 14.5 miles, roughly 24 minutes to the Katy office.
Cross Creek West
About 12 miles, roughly 18 minutes to the Katy office.
Fulshear High School area
About 12.3 miles, roughly 22 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: Katy · Cypress · Houston · Rosenberg.
Directions From Fulshear to Our Katy Office
The Katy office is at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494. From downtown Fulshear and Polo Ranch, take FM 1093 or the Westpark Tollway east to the Grand Parkway (TX-99), go north to I-10 and follow the Katy Freeway frontage road. From Cross Creek West, FM 1463 north connects to I-10. The building has parking and elevator access to Suite 555.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Katy Office
Katy office – closest office to Fulshear
- 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 · Gastroenterologist near Fulshear · Katy gastroenterologist
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 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 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. 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 Reflux 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 and Silent Reflux Near Fulshear: FAQs
Answers for Fulshear patients about reflux care at the Katy office.
Is there a GERD specialist near Fulshear?
Yes. Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan sees Fulshear patients at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, about 13.7 miles (roughly 21 minutes without traffic) from Fulshear.
What are the symptoms of silent reflux?
Hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, chronic cough, a lump-in-the-throat feeling, sore throat and postnasal drip, often with little or no heartburn.
Can you have reflux without heartburn?
Yes. Many people with silent reflux never feel heartburn, which is why it is often overlooked.
How is silent reflux diagnosed?
By symptoms, examination and testing such as pH monitoring. An ENT evaluation of the throat is sometimes part of the workup.
How long does silent reflux take to improve?
Throat tissues heal slowly, so improvement can take several weeks to a few months of consistent treatment.
Should I see a gastroenterologist or ENT?
Both can help. A gastroenterologist evaluates reflux and the esophagus; an ENT examines the throat and voice box. Dr. Khan can coordinate a referral when needed.
Do I need a referral?
Many patients can schedule directly. Some plans require a referral, so the office confirms based on your insurance.
Schedule Reflux Care Near Fulshear
Book a visit at the Katy office, a short drive from Fulshear, to find out whether reflux is behind your symptoms and start treatment. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment online.
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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.