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Most of us are familiar with embarrassing burps after enjoying a heavy meal. However, there are times when these burps turn painful, causing burning sensations in the throat or overnight refluxes. We might not know that these are some signs of Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the chronic return of stomach acids into the oesophagus.
The lower oesophagal sphincter is a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your oesophagus. It relaxes when you swallow, allowing food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again. If this sphincter does not relax as it should or it weakens, stomach acid can flow back into your oesophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of your oesophagus, often causing it to become inflamed. Book an appointment with the most experienced acid reflux doctors in Gurugram at Manipal Hospitals.
Common Symptoms and Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux causes chest pain, a burning sensation in your throat and a sour taste. Although there are several potential causes for acid reflux, inflammation of the lining of your oesophagus is the primary cause.
GERD results from lifestyle habits, including dieting, smoking and eating too quickly. Other possible triggers include obesity, pregnancy, medications such as sleeping pills or antidepressants, alcohol consumption, and allergies.
Acid reflux results from an imbalance between the acid-producing and acid-neutralising mechanisms in the stomach and the oesophagus. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to help digest food, but the oesophagus can not handle such strong acid. When this happens, it can cause pain, heartburn or bloating in some people.
The symptoms of GERD include:
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Burning, irritation or pain in your chest or throat may spread to your neck, jaw, back, shoulders, and arms.
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Feeling something stuck in your throat or chest that you cannot swallow.
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Chest pain that gets worse after eating or drinking.
Get the finest treatment for gastroenterology in Gurgaon with the help of a team of experts if you experience any symptoms.
Acid Reflux symptoms
Acid reflux can seriously impact your health and well-being. While it might seem insignificant, the symptoms of acid reflux are often more than just an irritation.
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Burning pain in the chest or throat.
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Acidic taste in the mouth.
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Sour taste in the mouth.
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Pain in the chest or abdomen.
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Pain or discomfort behind the breastbone.
Diagnosis of GERD
Your doctor might recommend the following diagnosis to identify intricacies.
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Physical Examination
The doctor observes your symptoms and understands the history of such instances.
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Endoscopy
Doctors use upper endoscopy to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A flexible tube with a camera on the end helps them to observe.
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Ambulatory Acid Probe Test
A thin tube inserted into your oesophagus travels up to the stomach allowing the doctor to identify any abnormalities inside your stomach and oesophagus.
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X-ray
An X-ray of the upper digestive system allows the doctor to observe a silhouette of your oesophagus and stomach.
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Manometry
Oesophageal manometry measures the rhythmic muscle contractions while swallowing. It also measures the force exerted by the oesophagus muscles.
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Esophagoscopy
A transnasal test uses a camera via a thin, flexible tube to observe any damage in the oesophagus.
The Available Treatments For Acid Reflux
Timely diagnosis and treatment prevent severe complications of GERD. The symptoms of GERD can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but they are rarely life-threatening. About two-thirds of people with GERD have no long-term complications from their condition at all.
The primary treatment for GERD is medications, which can be taken on an "as needed" (PRN) basis or daily. The commonly recommended drug for GERD reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. If lifestyle changes don't work, doctors recommend medications.
People with frequent heartburn should consult a top gastroesophageal doctor in Gurgaon for the proper treatment.
Doctors recommend surgery when medications do not work or patients cannot consume medicines. Some surgery options are:
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Fundoplication
A surgical procedure wraps the stomach's top part around the lower oesophagal sphincter allowing for tightening of the muscle to prevent reflux. It is a minimally invasive procedure.
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LINX Device
Doctors wrap a tiny magnetic bead ring at the junction of the stomach and oesophagus. The beads are strong enough to keep the junction closed to refluxing acid but weak enough to allow food to pass through. The device implant is a minimally invasive surgery.
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Transoral incision-less fundoplication
This procedure involves tightening the lower oesophagal sphincter by creating a partial wrap around the lower oesophagus using polypropylene fasteners. TIF requires no surgical incision, quick recovery time, and high forbearance.
Following Lifestyle Changes Help In The Prevention And Treatment Of GERD
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Weight control and maintaining a healthy BMI to limit pressure on the abdomen.
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Quitting smoking improves the ability of the oesophagus to function.
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Sleeping in a bed elevated towards the head reduces acid reflux.
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Avoid lying down immediately after consuming food.
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Chew your food slowly.
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Identify the food items that trigger reflexes and avoid them.
Suppose the symptoms persist beyond a few days. In that case, it is time to visit a doctor to diagnose and treat Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram, has the finest treatments for gastrointestinal problems, including GERD and acid reflux. Contact us today, to book an appointment. Our Gastrointestinal Science centre of Excellence has the most renowned and experienced gastroenterologist in Gurgaon, who can effectively treat multiple gastro issues and guide you about post-treatment care. We invite you to read our latest blogs and make your body healthier.
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