By Douglas Jones, MD, FACS, Christie Clinic Department of General Surgery
As you cradle your precious baby in your arms, you feel the all too familiar burn of gastroesophageal reflux creeping up your chest. Despite the discomfort, you focus all your attention on your little one who gazes up at you with innocent trusting eyes. You carefully sit more upright to alleviate the burning sensation, all the while whispering soothing words to your baby, whose coos provide a momentary distraction from your own discomfort. As you gently sway back and forth, the love you feel for your child temporarily eclipses the physical pain but you know the reflux will once again and unfortunately become the focal point of your day.
The above story is fiction but the scenario is real for many people.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to a range of symptoms. Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, especially after eating, lying down, or bending over; regurgitation of sour or bitter-tasting acid into the throat or mouth; difficulty swallowing; and a chronic cough or hoarseness. Some individuals with GERD may also experience chest pain, asthma, or dental erosion due to the exposure of tooth enamel to stomach acid.
If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus, so seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms is crucial.
GERD can be managed through a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the condition. Initial treatment often involves lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, weight loss, and elevating the head of the bed. Over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can provide relief from symptoms for many people. For more severe cases, prescription-strength medications, such as stronger proton pump inhibitors, may be necessary. In some instances, surgical procedures like fundoplication or LINX device implantation may be recommended to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux.
It’s essential for individuals with GERD to work closely with healthcare professionals to determine the most effective treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and to monitor for potential complications.
Some people have intractable symptoms even after appropriate medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. The operative cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease is called a Nissan fundoplication with diaphragmatic hernia repair. If you’ve tried non-operative ways to get relief from your GERD without success, it might be time to speak with your provider to see if this procedure is right for you.
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