Acid Reflux (GERD) Treatment in Albuquerque

Many people experience some symptom relief within 2-3 days of starting medication, with significant improvement typically occurring within 1-2 weeks. However, complete healing of esophageal inflammation can take 4-8 weeks of consistent treatment. Lifestyle modifications may take longer to show full effects as your body adjusts to new habits. The timeline varies based on GERD severity, treatment adherence, and individual response. Some people achieve excellent control quickly, while others require more time and treatment adjustments. Dr. Hemmen will monitor your progress closely and adjust your plan as needed to optimize your results.

Not necessarily. The duration of medication therapy depends on your GERD severity, underlying causes, and response to treatment. Some people with mild GERD achieve long-term control through lifestyle changes alone and can discontinue or use medications only occasionally. Others with more severe disease, Barrett's esophagus, or anatomical issues like hiatal hernia may require long-term daily medication. For many people, medication dosage or frequency can be reduced over time once symptoms are well-controlled. We'll work with you to find the minimal effective treatment that maintains your quality of life while minimizing medication use whenever possible. Our goal is effective symptom control with the least invasive approach that works for you.

Body1MD is a Direct Primary Care practice and does not bill insurance. Members pay the practice directly through a month-to-month membership ($100/month under age 50, $150/month age 50 and over), with no annual contract. Many people in Direct Primary Care keep insurance or a high-deductible plan for hospital care, specialists, and imaging, which can matter if you need a gastroenterology referral or an endoscopy. Dr. Hemmen's office can explain how outside labs, imaging, and prescriptions are handled before you join. Many GERD medications are also available in affordable generic formulations.

Yes. As a member you have direct access to Dr. Hemmen by phone and text, so you can ask about medication timing, report side effects, or describe new or changing symptoms without waiting for your next appointment. He will advise whether a phone check-in is enough or whether you should come in, and same- or next-day appointments are available in most cases. An in-person visit is important for your first evaluation, when a physical examination is needed, or when symptoms such as trouble swallowing, unintended weight loss, or vomiting blood suggest you may need further testing like an endoscopy. If you have chest pain that could be heart-related, call 911.

If your symptoms don't respond adequately to initial treatment, there are several options to explore. First, Dr. Hemmen will reassess your diagnosis to ensure GERD is the correct cause of your symptoms, as conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroparesis, or functional dyspepsia can mimic GERD. He may adjust your medication type or dosage, optimize the timing of your doses, or add complementary therapies. We'll review your adherence to lifestyle modifications, as incomplete implementation can limit treatment effectiveness. For reflux that doesn't respond to maximal medical therapy, Dr. Hemmen will coordinate referral to a gastroenterologist for advanced testing such as upper endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, or esophageal manometry. In some cases, surgical intervention like fundoplication may be considered. Throughout this process, Dr. Hemmen remains your advocate and care coordinator, so you receive the comprehensive evaluation and treatment you need.

Yes, chronic untreated GERD can lead to several serious complications. Esophagitis (inflammation and erosion of the esophageal lining) can progress to esophageal ulcers and bleeding. Esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus from scar tissue) can develop, causing difficulty swallowing. Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous change in esophageal tissue, occurs in approximately 10-15% of people with chronic GERD and increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, though the absolute cancer risk remains relatively low. GERD can also cause or worsen respiratory problems including chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, and recurrent pneumonia from aspiration. Dental erosion from repeated acid exposure can lead to cavities and tooth loss. These complications underscore the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. With appropriate management, symptoms can usually be controlled and the risk of these serious complications significantly reduced.