GERD Treatment

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease causes acid reflux, acid regurgitation, and heartburn. Often, the reason can be a weakening of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) that controls the food from coming back up into the throat. If the issue of GERD goes unnoticed, it can cause vomiting, coughing and lead to further complications such as difficulty in breathing.

Are GERD, Heartburn, and Acid Reflux the same?

GERD, heartburn, and acid reflux and related to each other, but they are not the same.

Heartburn: It is when you get a burning sensation in your upper chest. It can last from a couple of minutes to an hour or two. It usually worsens when you eat a heavy meal. You may also feel a tightness in your chest, and heartburn can make lying down difficult.

Acid Reflux: Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when contents of the stomach keep coming back up in the esophagus.

GERD: When the patient experiences acid reflux frequently, doctors diagnose it as GERD. Often, a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease experiences heartburn and acid regurgitation a couple of times every week.

What are Common Symptoms of GERD?

The main symptom of GERD is acidity and heartburn. But, do not consider every episode of acidity and heartburn as signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here are other signs and symptoms of GERD:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Burping/belching with a bitter aftertaste
3. Tightness in chest/chest pain
4. Croaky and husky voice, Laryngitis
5. Chronic cough
6. Breathing issues and asthma
7. Difficulty while swallowing
8. Bad breath
9. Tooth decay
10. Disrupted sleeping pattern.

If you experience any of the symptoms quite frequently, do not resort to over-the-counter medicines or household remedies. Consult doctor Jay Chokshi for GERD treatment. He has helped several GERD patients improve their digestive health completely.

Are you at risk of developing GERD?

People experience the symptoms of GERD from time to time. Lifestyle and eating habits can make you susceptible to acidity and heartburn now and then. However, your risk for developing chronic heartburn and GERD increases in the following situations:

1. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
2. Eating large quantities especially fried and fatty foods.
3. Cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, and aerated drinks may cause acid reflux in a few cases.
4. Hiatal hernia: a complication when a part of the stomach pushes through the hiatal opening of the esophagus.
5. Constipation and digestive irregularity.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Connective tissue disorders.
8. Certain medications can lead to GERD symptoms.

Infants and toddlers are also susceptible to GERD. If you notice frequent vomiting, difficulty sleeping after eating, or refusing to eat, they can be the symptoms of GERD among young patients.

How will Dr. Jay Chokshi Diagnose GERD?

Whether you undertake a teleconsultation with Dr. Jay Chokshi or prefer to come down to the clinic, explain your symptoms in detail. Usually, diagnosis of GERD is easily possible based on symptoms. But certain cases may demand the following investigations such as:

1. Radiography/Barium Swallow Test to detect any abnormality in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
2. Endoscopy is necessary to detect any inflammation/irritation in the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
3. An esophageal biopsy helps detect the presence of malignant cells in the esophageal lining.
4. Esophageal manometry to understand the strength of LES and how it affects the acid backflow.
5. pH probe to determine the level of acid exposure in the esophagus.

What are the Complications caused by Chronic Acid Reflux?

With medical attention and expert care, GERD does not cause any fatality or severe complications. However, if you are suffering from prolonged acid reflux and heartburn, it can lead to complications such as:

1. Esophagitis – It is the inflammation of the esophagus due to stomach acid. Esophagitis can lead to painful and bleeding ulcers in the esophagus.
2. Esophageal Strictures – It is the narrowing of the esophagus that causes difficulty while breathing and swallowing food.
3. Barrett’s Esophagus – Chronic GERD can change the lining of the esophagus to inflame and turn red. It is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.
4. Esophageal Cancer – Ignoring the symptoms of GERD can increase your chances of esophageal cancer.

What Lifestyle Changes are necessary for treating GERD?

Dr. Jay Chokshi believes in modifying lifestyle to treat GI disorders. He considers GERD surgery as the final resort. After diagnosing your problems, the doctor may recommend any of the following lifestyle changes to treat GERD:

1. Avoid consuming large quantities of meals, especially at night.
2. Eat smaller amounts of food frequently to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Sit upright and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
4. Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux and cause heartburn.
5. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight with regular physical activity.
6. Avoid smoking and vaping.

Are there any Medications for Chronic Acid Reflux?

After careful diagnosis and understanding of patient history, Dr. Jay Chokshi may recommend medication to reduce the production of acids in your stomach. Other medicines can include antacids and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). If your problem is due to an abnormality in the esophageal tract, the doctor may prescribe a different medication. Often hiatal hernia causes GERD. And in cases of severe complications, a hiatal hernia repair surgery may become necessary.

Is there any Anti-Reflux (GERD) Surgery to treat the Patients?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is 100% treatable with surgical intervention. Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication is an effective anti-reflux GERD surgery to help patients lead healthy life. Dr. Jay Chokshi is a proficient laparoscopic GI surgeon with experience in esophageal and gastric surgeries.

What is the cost of Acid Reflux (GERD) Surgery in Surat?

The cost of Nissen Fundoplication Surgery for GERD varies from patient to patient. The average cost of GERD surgery can be INR. 45,000 to INR. 55,000 in Surat. The cost differs depending on the complexity of the case, hospital charges, and fees of the medical professionals. If you want to learn the accurate cost of GERD treatment and acid reflux surgery, consulting the GI surgeon and undergoing a thorough medical screening become necessary.