Gerd

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a muscle valve between the esophagus and stomach—becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately. This allows stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation commonly referred to as acid reflux. In endoscopy, this is often diagnosed as Lax LES.

Causes & Contributing Factors

Several factors can trigger or worsen GERD:

• Increased abdominal pressure (due to obesity, pregnancy, or fluid buildup)

• Hiatal hernia, where a part of the stomach pushes into the chest

• Certain foods such as caffeine, spicy or fried foods, citrus, and dairy

• Medications including painkillers, antihistamines, sedatives, and blood pressure medicines

• Lifestyle habits like overeating, smoking, or lying down immediately after meals

Risk Factors

You’re more likely to develop GERD if you:

• Are overweight or obese

• Are pregnant

• Smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke

• Have poor eating habits or chronic stress

Symptoms of GERD

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Burning chest pain (heartburn)

• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

• Difficulty swallowing

• Persistent cough, especially at night

• Hoarseness or sore throat

• Chest discomfort that mimics cardiac pain

• Feeling of a lump in the throat

Diagnostic Methods

To accurately diagnose GERD, the following tests are used:

• Upper GI Endoscopy

• Barium Swallow X-ray

• Esophageal pH Monitoring

• Esophageal Manometry

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Modifications

• Avoid spicy, acidic, and fatty foods

• Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down after eating

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake

• Maintain a healthy weight

Medical Management

• Antacids for immediate symptom relief

• H2 receptor blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production

• Prokinetic agents to improve esophageal motility

Surgical Management – Laparoscopic Fundoplication

For patients who do not respond to medication and lifestyle changes, laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective and long-lasting solution. This minimally invasive procedure involves tightening the diaphragmatic opening and wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the LES to strengthen the valve and prevent acid reflux.