GERD

Typical GERD symptoms include acid regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and hoarseness. Some patients also experience a sensation of a lump in the throat, especially after eating or while lying down.

GERD is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be performed to evaluate for oesophageal inflammation or related complications. Ambulatory pH monitoring is used to confirm the severity of acid reflux. Oesophageal manometry is performed to evaluate oesophageal muscle activity. In select cases, diagnosis is supported by response to acid-suppressive therapy.

GERD treatment aims to relieve symptoms, heal the oesophageal mucosa, and prevent complications. Depending on patients' factors, treatment strategies include lifestyle and dietary modification, acid-suppressive therapy, and endoscopic or surgical intervention in complicated cases.

Patients undergoing GERD management at Manipal Hospitals receive comprehensive care. It involves a thorough consultation where doctors assess the frequency and severity of symptoms, dietary and lifestyle factors, and current medications. Initial treatment focuses on lifestyle modifications, including weight management, avoidance of trigger foods, sleeping with the head elevated, and meal timing. Doctors often prescribe acid-suppressive medications like proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists to help reduce symptoms and heal inflammation in the oesophagus.

Patients are monitored to assess improvements in symptoms and responses to medication. In cases where symptoms persist or warning signs develop, such as dysphagia, bleeding, or weight loss, further evaluation is performed. An endoscopy is performed to look for complications such as erosive oesophagitis, strictures, or Barrett’s oesophagus. Anti-reflux surgery or endoscopic interventions may be considered in patients with severe, chronic, or refractory GERD after thorough evaluation.

Follow-up includes assessment of symptom control, optimisation of medical therapy, monitoring for complications, and reinforcement of lifestyle modifications. With appropriate management and follow-up, most patients achieve good long-term symptom control and improved quality of life.