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Advanced Reflux Care in West and Northwest Houston
Severe GERD Symptoms & Treatment in Houston, TX
Heartburn that breaks through daily medication, trouble swallowing, or reflux that has gone on for years needs more than antacids. Houston patients with severe or long-standing GERD see board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan at either United Gastroenterology Associates office, Katy on I-10 or Cypress on US-290, for testing that checks the esophagus for damage and a treatment plan that goes beyond symptom control.
GERD care at our Katy and Cypress offices
Meet Your Acid Reflux Specialist Serving Houston: 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 severe and long-standing GERD, performs upper endoscopy and esophageal dilation, and coordinates advanced testing and surgical referral 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
- Severe and refractory GERD
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal stricture and dilation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Upper endoscopy (EGD)
- Esophageal pH monitoring
Which Office Is Closest to You in Houston?
Both offices share one phone number and the same physician:- Katy office, 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494: usually closer for Spring Valley Village, Piney Point Village, Hunters Creek Village and Sharpstown.
- Cypress office, 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429: usually closer for Timbergrove and northwest Houston along US-290.
From Upper Kirby and Montrose, drive times to the two offices are similar. Call (346) 340-4414 and the scheduling team will help you choose.
Directions to Katy · Directions to Cypress · Acid reflux treatment in Houston
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 Severe GERD Symptoms?
GERD is considered more severe when symptoms are frequent and intense, persist despite treatment, or have caused complications. For an overview of diagnosis and every treatment option, see our guide to GERD treatment.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 for chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, and for vomiting blood or black, tarry stools.
Signs of severe or complicated GERD
- Daily heartburn or regurgitation
- Symptoms despite daily acid-reducing medicine
- Food sticking or pain when swallowing
- Night-time choking or coughing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Hoarseness or chronic cough that does not improve
These symptoms need evaluation by a qualified medical professional, often with an upper endoscopy.
Complications of Long-Standing GERD
Years of acid exposure can change the esophagus. Finding these problems early matters.
Erosive Esophagitis
Inflammation and sores in the esophageal lining that can cause pain and bleeding.
Esophageal Stricture
Scar tissue that narrows the esophagus and makes food stick; it can often be stretched during endoscopy.
Barrett’s Esophagus
A change in the lining that raises the risk of esophageal cancer and is monitored with periodic endoscopy.
Respiratory and Throat Problems
Chronic cough, hoarseness and worsening asthma linked to reflux.
Get Answers for Severe Reflux
Choose the Katy or Cypress office and see Dr. Khan for a complete evaluation of long-standing or hard-to-control GERD.
Testing for Severe or Refractory GERD
When symptoms do not respond to treatment, testing clarifies what is happening and guides the next step.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Checks for esophagitis, strictures, hiatal hernia and Barrett’s esophagus, with biopsies when needed.
Reflux Monitoring
pH or pH-impedance testing measures acid and non-acid reflux and whether it matches your symptoms.
Esophageal Manometry
Measures how the esophagus squeezes and how the valve works, which is needed before anti-reflux procedures.
Some symptoms that seem like reflux turn out to be from other causes, such as esophageal motility disorders or a sensitive esophagus.
Treatment for Severe GERD
Treatment is stepped up based on test results and your response.
Optimized Medication
Checking timing and dose of acid-reducing medicine, and adding night-time therapy when needed.
Lifestyle Measures
Meal timing, head-of-bed elevation, weight management and avoiding triggers.
Treating Strictures
Endoscopic dilation to widen a narrowed esophagus.
Barrett’s Surveillance
Scheduled endoscopy with biopsies to watch for precancerous change.
Anti-Reflux Procedures
Options such as fundoplication or magnetic sphincter augmentation for selected patients, with referral to an experienced surgeon.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Regular review so treatment stays effective and appropriate.
This information is educational. Do not start or stop medication without medical advice. Heartburn despite medication.
Driving Distances From Houston Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood shows the closer office first, with the drive to the other office for comparison.
Spring Valley Village
Closest: Katy office, about 18.3 miles (roughly 27 minutes). Cypress office: about 21.8 miles (roughly 29 minutes).
Piney Point Village
Closest: Katy office, about 18.2 miles (roughly 28 minutes). Cypress office: about 23.8 miles (roughly 33 minutes).
Hunters Creek Village
Closest: Katy office, about 19.1 miles (roughly 30 minutes). Cypress office: about 23.8 miles (roughly 33 minutes).
Sharpstown
Closest: Katy office, about 22 miles (roughly 34 minutes). Cypress office: about 27.8 miles (roughly 37 minutes).
Timbergrove
Closest: Cypress office, about 23.8 miles (roughly 32 minutes). Katy office: about 22.7 miles (roughly 34 minutes).
Upper Kirby
Closest: Cypress office, about 28.4 miles (roughly 37 minutes). Katy office: about 25.8 miles (roughly 38 minutes).
Montrose
Closest: Katy office, about 26.4 miles (roughly 39 minutes). Cypress office: about 29.9 miles (roughly 39 minutes).
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 · Fulshear · Rosenberg.
Our Katy and Cypress Offices for Houston Patients
Dr. Khan sees Houston patients with GERD at the Cypress office at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429, convenient to northwest Houston along US-290, and at the Katy office at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494, convenient to west Houston along I-10. Both offices share one phone number for scheduling.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Cypress Office
Cypress office – Northwest Freeway (US-290)
- Address: 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429
- 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)
Katy Office: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494. Get directions to Katy · Houston gastroenterologist · Acid reflux treatment in Houston
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 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
“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
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.
Severe GERD in Houston: FAQs
Answers for Houston patients about severe and long-standing GERD.
What counts as severe GERD?
Frequent or intense symptoms, symptoms that persist despite daily medication, or complications such as esophagitis, strictures or Barrett’s esophagus.
What if my reflux medicine stops working?
Timing and dose may need adjusting, and testing can show whether reflux is still the cause. Dr. Khan can evaluate symptoms that break through treatment.
Who needs screening for Barrett’s esophagus?
Screening may be considered for people with chronic GERD and risk factors such as male sex, age over 50, obesity, smoking or a family history.
Can GERD cause trouble swallowing?
Yes. Inflammation or a stricture can make food stick. Difficulty swallowing should always be evaluated promptly.
Is surgery an option for GERD?
For selected patients with confirmed reflux who do not respond well to medication, anti-reflux procedures can help. Testing comes first.
Where can I get GERD treatment in Houston?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan treats Houston patients at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494 and 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429. Call (346) 340-4414.
Schedule Severe GERD Care for Houston Patients
Choose the Katy or Cypress office and book a visit with Dr. Khan to evaluate long-standing reflux and protect your esophagus. 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.