Treating GERD: Why You Shouldn't Delay Care for Chronic Acid Reflux.
Are you struggling with heartburn? Most people experience GERD symptoms occasionally. It happens when the contents of your stomach go up into the oesophagus, a tube that connects the stomach and mouth. Millions of people have this burning sensation, and they deal with over-the-counter medications, store-bought antacids, diet, and lifestyle changes. Suppose the GERD symptoms are chronic or severe. In that case, you have to deal with complicated health conditions like Barrett’s oesophagus and asthma.
Is GERD curable? Yes, early intervention and medical attention can eventually reduce the symptoms and return to a healthy life. Continue reading to understand the reasons for acid reflux, acid reflux treatment, and how to cure gerd permanently.
What are the reasons for acid reflux?
The stomach contents return to the oesophagus if the lower oesophageal sphincter is weak or stops working. There are several reasons for acid reflux, including
- Lifestyle habits include late-night meals, eating large meals, and increasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, and fatty and spicy foods.
- Overweight puts additional pressure on the stomach, causing acid reflux.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy are a reason for acid reflux.
- Smoking weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter.
- Hiatal hernias affect the upper part of the stomach, allowing acid to flow into your oesophagus.
Symptoms of GERD
Heartburn is not the only symptom of GERD. People living with GERD face the following symptoms,
- Regurgitation – a burning sensation secondary to fluid from the stomach going up to your mouth and leaves a bad taste.
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic cough
Risk factors of delaying chronic acid reflux treatment
Most people living with GERD symptoms consider over the counter medications and lifestyle changes. However, these medicines provide temporary relief, and it’s not an ideal choice for people experiencing severe acid reflux symptoms. Repeated acid reflux symptoms increase the risk of following diseases,
Oesophagitis (inflammation and ulceration) occurs when the oesophagus becomes irritated after prolonged exposure to stomach acid.
- Barrett’s oesophagus secondary to changes in the cells of the oesophagus, leading to oesophageal cancer. Surgical treatment can help reverse this change in some patients.
- Oesophageal strictures occur when the oesophagus tube narrows, leading to difficulty swallowing.
- Some respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia
- Dental issues like cavities and tooth erosion due to repeated reflux
- Damage to lungs, larynx, and other organs.
- Bad mouth odour.
How long does acid reflux take to heal?
The healing time depends on the severity of the acid reflux. In mild cases, treatment of GERD and lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms within weeks. In moderate cases, doctors recommend medications which heal within 6 to 8 weeks. In chronic acid reflux, doctors recommend surgery and require extended treatment time.
Don’t wait – take action against GERD, consult Dr Ashok Bohra.
Leaving acid reflux symptoms untreated can harm your health. How to cure gerd permanently? Consult Dr Ashok Bohra, a board-certified gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon in Dubai. He provides advanced care and specialized treatment for various gastric conditions.
Dr Ashok Bohra is a renowned acid reflux treatment specialist in Dubai. He assures the best treatment for GERD by utilizing the latest endoscopic equipment and following exceptional diagnostic capabilities. Dr Ashok Bohra has been performing laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for over 20 years with very satisfying results.
Is Gerd curable? Yes, it’s with expert medical support! Contact us today!
How to cure GERD permanently?
Most of the GERD patients have a question: Is GERD curable? Acid reflux is progressive, but appropriate treatment of GERD can alleviate the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes – mild acid reflux treatment
If you’re diagnosed with mild GERD, the initial treatment of GERD includes dietary changes and lifestyle style changes to manage the symptoms.
- Prevent foods that boost acid reflux. Some foods are caffeine, chocolate, alcoholic drinks, fried foods, citrus fruits, spicy foods, garlic, onions, pepper, peppermint, carbonated beverages, etc.
- Avoid putting on weight, ensure regular exercise, and lose weight.
- Follow a complete diet plan excluding acid reflux foods.
- Avoid Late Night dinner, have your dinner at least 3 to 4 hours before sleep.
- Elevate your head a few inches to prevent acid reflux from disturbing your sleep.
- Quit smoking
Medications – acid reflux treatment
Even after dietary changes, if acid reflux symptoms persist, doctors recommend over-the-counter medications, antacids, or medicines that reduce acid formation in the stomach. The common medications are proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and Antacids. Long term use of PPI (over 3 months) can lead to damage to kidneys and osteoporosis (weak bones). If you are dependent on PPI, seek surgical opinion.
Surgery for acid reflux treatment
How to cure gerd permanently? Surgery is a permanent solution for people living with GERD. Advanced medical techniques have developed several minimally invasive surgical options for GERD.
Anti-reflux surgery is the standard surgical option for people suffering severe acid reflux symptoms. It’s also recommended for people without effective results after diet changes and medications.
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (key-hole anti reflux surgery) is a standard surgery to prevent acid reflux. In this procedure, the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the oesophagus. This is a time-tested procedure over many decades with excellent results. It only requires an overnight stay. This helps patients come off PPI and lead an excellent quality of life.
Laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) is a relatively new procedure and currently being used selectively in appropriate patients.
