Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment in North Delhi

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment in North Delhi

Dr. Piyush Gupta is one of the leading gastroesophageal reflux disease specialists in North Delhi, offering advanced and personalized care for acid reflux, GERD, and related gastrointestinal conditions. With years of expertise in medical and surgical gastroenterology, Dr. Gupta provides comprehensive GERD treatment in North Delhi, ensuring long-term relief and improved digestive health.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a long-term condition that affects the connection between the esophagus and the stomach. It occurs when the natural barrier that separates these two structures becomes weak, allowing digestive fluids to move upward into the esophagus. Over time, this repeated reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to discomfort and inflammation that may interfere with daily life.

GERD is more than an occasional episode of acidity—it’s a chronic disorder that often requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. The condition can impact eating habits, sleep quality, and overall well-being, making it essential to manage effectively. Regular monitoring and medical evaluation ensure that any complications, such as inflammation or tissue changes, are identified early and treated appropriately.

Common Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD)

Heartburn: A burning feeling in your chest, often after eating or when lying down. It may feel like the food is coming back up.
Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in your mouth when acid or food comes back from your stomach.
Chest Discomfort: Pain or pressure in the chest that can sometimes feel like heart pain.
Trouble Swallowing: Feeling like food is stuck in your throat or moving down slowly.

Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD)

Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): The LES is a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When it weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, stomach acid can move upward.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is one of the leading causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases pressure on the stomach. This pressure can force stomach acid upward into the esophagus, leading to frequent acid reflux.
Eating Large Meals or Lying Down After Eating: Eating heavy or large meals stretches the stomach and increases internal pressure. This can cause the stomach contents — including acid — to push back into the esophagus.
Certain Medications: Some commonly used medications can either relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the muscle that prevents acid from moving upward — or irritate the lining of the esophagus. When the LES becomes weak or relaxed, it allows acid to escape from the stomach.
Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because it directly affects the digestive system and weakens the body’s natural defense against acid reflux.

Conclusion

GERD is a widespread condition that can affect people of all ages. While it can cause significant discomfort and complications, early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and effective treatment can manage symptoms and improve quality of life. In chronic cases, medical or surgical intervention may be required. With proper management, most people with GERD can lead healthy, symptom-free lives.

FAQ - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Acid reflux is the occasional backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause heartburn. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux where symptoms occur frequently (more than twice a week) and may lead to complications if untreated.

The hallmark symptoms include persistent heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, chronic cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. Some people may also experience disrupted sleep due to nighttime reflux.

You should consult a doctor if you experience symptoms more than twice a week, if medications don’t relieve your symptoms, or if you have trouble swallowing, chronic cough, unintentional weight loss, or chest pain. These may indicate complications or more serious conditions.

Common triggers include spicy foods, fried or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, garlic, onions, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. It’s best to track personal triggers, as they can vary from person to person.

While lifestyle changes and medications can effectively manage symptoms, GERD is usually a long-term condition. Some people may need lifelong treatment, while others may benefit from surgical procedures (like fundoplication or LINX device) if medications and lifestyle adjustments do not provide relief.