ACID REFLUX CAUSING HEARTBURN AND DISCOMFORT
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe, causing heartburn, acidic taste, regurgitation and chest discomfort. Manageable with lifestyle changes and acid-suppression therapy.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid and contents frequently flow back into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing irritation and a range of symptoms. While occasional reflux is normal, GERD is diagnosed when reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause symptoms or damage the oesophageal lining. Typical features include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest, often after meals), acidic or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation, chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness and disturbed sleep. Risk factors include obesity, eating large meals or lying down soon after eating, certain foods, smoking, alcohol, pregnancy and hiatus hernia. Effective management combines lifestyle and dietary changes, acid-suppression therapy and, in selected cases, further specialist evaluation. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive GERD care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Weakness of the lower oesophageal sphincter
- Obesity and increased abdominal pressure
- Hiatus hernia
- Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating
- Spicy, fatty, fried foods, chocolate, caffeine and citrus
- Smoking and alcohol intake
- Pregnancy and certain medications
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical evaluation; endoscopy in selected cases
Lifestyle changes and acid-suppression therapy
Oesophagitis, stricture, Barrett's oesophagus in chronic untreated disease
Persistent symptoms, swallowing difficulty, weight loss or bleeding need endoscopy
Weight loss, smaller meals, head-end elevation of bed are highly effective
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Lifestyle Changes with Acid-Suppression Therapy
The most effective approach combines structured lifestyle and dietary changes with acid-suppression therapy. Weight loss, smaller meals, avoiding triggers, not lying down soon after eating and head-end elevation of the bed significantly improve symptoms and reduce medication needs.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, diet, weight and lifestyle, and arranges endoscopy in selected patients.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with dietary, lifestyle and medical therapy components.
- 3
Medical Management
Lifestyle and dietary modification, acid-suppression therapy, and treatment of complications or associated conditions.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess control, step down therapy where possible and refer for specialist evaluation if symptoms persist or red-flag features develop.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Lifestyle and Dietary Modification
Weight loss, smaller meals, avoiding eating close to bedtime, head-end elevation of the bed, and avoiding triggers such as spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and smoking.
Acid-Suppression Therapy
Effective medication reduces stomach acid production and significantly improves symptoms, with structured short and longer-term use as needed.
Antacid Therapy for Symptom Relief
On-demand antacid therapy can provide quick relief for occasional symptoms in addition to longer-term care.
Treatment of Associated Conditions
Managing obesity, treating asthma, and reviewing medications that worsen reflux all contribute to better long-term control.
Endoscopy and Specialist Referral When Indicated (Referral for gastroenterology)
Patients with persistent symptoms, swallowing difficulty, weight loss, bleeding or red-flag features need endoscopy and specialist evaluation.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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