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Patients who usually complain of symptoms of heartburn, retrosternal burning pain which is increased on bending or lying down maybe suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Some patients who have severe symptoms may also have regurgitation of food and acid (waterbrash) into the mouth , night symptoms, breathing difficulties and voice changes due to the acid reflux. Patients who have severe symptoms should not ignore their symptoms and should seek medical attention sooner.
Do you have GERD?
If you suffer from any one of the symptoms or a combination of symptoms , you are more likely suffering from GERD
- Heartburn usually after eating
- Worsening of heartburn at night.
- Persistent sensation of lump in the throat
- Persistent or recurrent Gastritis like symptoms
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Regurgitation of food
- Some may even present with chronic dysplastic changes involving the esophagus
What is GERD?
GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where there is acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. All the symptoms and mucosal changes are related to chronic exposure of the mucosa to the acid. The reflux is mainly due to changes in mechanics of the lower esophageal spinchter mechanism. In some severe cases there can be large paraoesophageal hernias.
What should you do?
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above you should meet a specialist or specialized centers who can evaluate and treat these complex conditions. You should meet a Surgeon who is a specialist in Gastroenterology and minimally invasive surgeries.
What are the treatment options?
There are two treatment options. Medical and Surgical. Both the options can be tailored to patient requirements. You will need to be evaluated and examined by a Specialist in GERD.
What are the new advances in the management of GERD?
There are new advances in the surgical treatment of GERD. These are minimally invasive and highly advanced techniques. The gold standard for treatment of GERD is Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery. Newer innovative and advanced procedures like the LINX device and Transoral incisionless fundoplication procedures are now available.
Please visit us at MH Surgery Clinics for more details regarding the procedures.
Author: DR. MANJUNATH HARIDAS (MD FACS FICS)
Dr. Manjunath Haridas is one of the leading surgeons for Gastrointestinal Sciences in Whitefield, Bangalore. His area of expertise includes Gastrointestinal Surgery - Colon Rectum, Foregut Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, and Minimally invasive surgery. He is Honored by the American Board of Certification, fellow Of the American College of Surgeons, SAGES membership and more.