Are you prone to frequent heartburns or sour-tasting liquid in your throat? Then you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Talk to a qualified general surgeon for diagnosis and get advice on which treatment to take.
The disease is common and affects adults. However, if you do not manage gastroesophageal reflux disease in time, it may cause harm to the esophagus and other serious problems.
Causes of GERD
GERD refers to the flow of acid from the tummy to the esophagus. The acid can return up to the throat, a process known as reflux. GERD happens because of many reasons such as;
- Being pregnant
- Having excess weight
- Having a hiatal hernia
- Taking particular drinks and foods
- Smoking
- Consuming particular medications
Symptoms of GERD
- A bitter taste back in the mouth
- Upper abdomen pain
- Frequent Heartburn
- The symptoms worsening after taking a meal or lying down
- Chronic coughing
- Hoarseness
- Problems swallowing
- The feeling of food sticking in the throat
GERD Treatment Plan
The disease’s treatment intends to inhibit further damage of the esophagus. The treatment plan can include:
- Lifestyle changes like activities, diet, and bedtime changes
- Medications to manage the amount of acid your stomach produces.
- Surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Treatment with lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are the first step in treating GERD. Contact your doctor to decide on the initial changes to make. They include:
- Be cautious about what to eat. Avoid foods that trigger symptoms and make you worse.
- Change your eating habits; when and how to eat.
- Cut on extra weight.
- Do bedtime changes like avoiding lying flat on the bed.
Treatment with medications
The first step to take is to visit your doctor to examine you and prescribe proper medication. GERD medications work differently basing on how severe your symptoms are. They include:
- They Neutralize stomach acids and are only helpful for mild reflux.
- H2 blockers. The medication reduces the amount of stomach acid.
- It helps tighten the LES and makes strong the esophagus’s squeezing action. Often prescribed along with the H2 blockers.
- Proton pump inhibitors. Reduce stomach acids.
Treatment with surgery
If the two other treatments fail to relieve your pain and symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. The general surgeon will also inform you of all the benefits and risks associated with the operation.
The doctor runs some tests on you before the surgery. They include an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, chest x-ray, and esophageal manometry.
Preparing for surgery
- Inform the surgeon of all the medications you have been taking.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid foods and drinks before the surgery.
- Find someone to help you at home after the surgery.
The surgery
The name for GERD surgery is fundoplication. The purpose of the surgery is to strengthen the LES by wrapping the stomach top around the outside of the esophagus’s lower part.
The surgeon does the surgery through a laparoscopy approach. It is whereby:
- The doctor creates small incisions in the abdomen.
- They then insert the laparoscope inside the abdomen through one incision. The surgeon also places surgical tools via the other incisions.
- The doctor then pumps carbon dioxide into the abdomen to see and work well.
- They then remove the surgical tools and the gas after surgery.
- All the incisions are then closed with surgical tape or stitches.
If there is a need for a larger incision to complete the procedure, the surgeon may switch from laparoscopy to open surgery. However, with open surgery, the patient stays in the hospital for a longer time.
GERD is treatable if you seek help in time. Your doctor will recommend a suitable treatment plan depending on your symptoms. Also, the surgeon may decide to do surgery if the other treatment options fail to work. Therefore, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you notice something unusual.