In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Surgeon and Foregut Surgeon Dr. Tejal Pandya to discuss one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions—GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

While many people associate reflux with occasional heartburn, this conversation reveals how GERD can present in multiple ways, including chest pain, throat irritation, chronic cough, and even symptoms that mimic heart or sinus issues. Dr. Pandya explains how reflux is not just about acid, but also about the physical movement of stomach contents into the esophagus.

They also dive into why medications like PPIs don’t always address the root cause, what red flags to watch for, and when it’s time to move beyond symptom management into deeper evaluation. From lifestyle habits to advanced diagnostics like endoscopy, manometry, and pH testing, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to understanding and addressing reflux properly.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent symptoms or feel like something is being missed, this episode will help you take the next step toward real answers.

Dr. Tejal Pandya is a board certified general surgeon and fellowship trained foregut specialist. She is on a mission to cure antacid dependence through education and comprehensive evaluation and treatment. As a specialist, Dr. Pandya is uniquely qualified to offer functional testing, endoscopy, advanced diagnostics, and surgery to serve patients suffering from heartburn and acid reflux related problems. 

She chose this specialty after seeing the major impact these diseases have on overall health and quality of life, and yet they are frequently not treated as diseases at all. She's here to change that.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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