GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Treatment In Coimbatore

GERD is short for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It’s a condition that develops when reflux of stomach contents causes troubling symptoms or complications. GERD affects 20% of adults reporting at least weekly episodes of heartburn and up to 10% complaining of daily symptoms.

Most of the patients have mild disease, esophageal mucosal damage develops up to one-third and more serious complications develop in a few others. Several factors may contribute to GERD. If you’re looking for GERD treatment in Coimbatore, ELCE Hospital is the best laparoscopic center with 25 years of experience.

Fundoplication is a surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to reinforce the valve and reduce acid reflux. If you’re searching for fundoplication treatment or laparoscopic fundoplication near your location, consult local healthcare providers for options.

Yes, fundoplication is considered a major surgery in GERD treatment involving the manipulation and reconstruction of the stomach and esophagus. Recovery can vary but typically involves a period of healing and adjustment.

Fundoplication is primarily performed in two main types:

Considering GERD treatment in Coimbatore, healthcare providers may suggest fundoplication type after thorough evaluation and in cases where lifestyle changes and medication management have not provided sufficient relief.

1. Open Fundoplication:

   This traditional approach involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the stomach and esophagus for the procedure.

2. 2. Laparoscopic Fundoplication:

This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera (laparoscope) to perform the surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times and less scarring. In Coimbatore, ELCE stands out as the center of choice for laparoscopy, offering advanced surgical options for GERD treatment. Patients seeking GERD treatment in Coimbatore can benefit from the expertise and innovative approaches provided by ELCE, ensuring optimal outcomes with reduced postoperative discomfort and quicker recovery periods.

It is being done laparoscopically. So, one has to stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. Very next day of surgery patient can do their normal work. For 2 more days patient will be observed for their food intake and then will be discharged. The exceptional post-procedure care offered at Elce Hospital for GERD treatment in Coimbatore is highly commendable.

1. Heartburn: You might feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating or when lying down.
2. Regurgitation: Sour or bitter fluid can come back up into your throat or mouth, especially after meals
3. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Food might feel like it’s getting stuck in your throat or chest.
4. Chronic Cough: You may have a persistent cough, especially at night or after eating.
5. Hoarseness or Sore Throat: Your voice might become hoarse or your throat may feel sore
6. Feeling of a Lump in the Throat (Globus Sensation): You might feel like there’s a lump in your throat.
7. Excessive Salivation: You may produce more saliva, especially before vomiting.
8. Severe Chest Pain: Experience intense and persistent chest discomfort that does not improve with typical remedies.
9. Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia): Notice an abnormally fast heartbeat, often accompanied by discomfort or anxiety.
10. Fever: Develop a high body temperature, which could indicate infection or inflammation.
11. Severe Vomiting: Experience persistent and forceful vomiting, sometimes with blood or bile.
12. Abdominal Swelling (Distention): Feel bloating or tenderness in the abdomen due to trapped air or fluid.
13. Difficulty Breathing: Notice shortness of breath, particularly when lying down, caused by pressure on the diaphragm from abdominal swelling.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can have various causes, including:

• Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Dysfunction: The LES is a muscular ring that normally closes after food passes into the stomach. If the LES relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing GERD.
• Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach protrudes into the diaphragm, potentially weakening the LES and increasing the likelihood of reflux.
• Dietary Factors: Certain foods and beverages can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or fried foods.
• Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach and contribute to GERD.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the LES and lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which may cause GERD symptoms.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can weaken the LES and impair the function of the esophagus, making reflux more likely.
• Certain Medications: Some medications, such as calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, pain relievers, sedatives, and antidepressants, can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus, contributing to GERD.
• Delayed Stomach Emptying (Gastroparesis): When the stomach empties slowly, there is an increased likelihood of reflux because there is more time for the acid to move up into the esophagus.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions that affect connective tissue, such as scleroderma, can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Smaller Esophageal Clearance Rate: If the esophagus clears itself more slowly or poorly than normal, it can contribute to GERD symptoms.

Sometimes longstanding Acid reflux into the Esophagus will end up in the change of the inner lining of the food pipe. This change is called Barret’s Esophagitis. This condition can end up in cancer.

Here are 7 simplified points outlining the potential complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

1. Esophagitis: Inflammation and irritation of the esophagus due to stomach acid exposure.
2. Esophageal Stricture: Narrowing of the esophagus from scar tissue formation, causing difficulty swallowing.
3. Barrett’s Esophagus: Changes in the esophageal lining that increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
4. Esophageal Ulcers: Sores in the esophagus caused by acid erosion, leading to pain and possible bleeding.
5. Respiratory Issues: Acid reflux can reach the throat and lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, or exacerbating asthma.
6. Dental Problems: Acid exposure can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
7. Sleep Disturbances: Nighttime reflux (nocturnal GERD) can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to daytime fatigue.

Diagnostic Methods for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Related Conditions

To identify complications of reflux disease and to diagnose other conditions, particularly in patients with Dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss

• Doctors assess symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or coughing.
• They review your medical history and ask about past gastrointestinal issues.
• Acid-suppressing medications may be prescribed to see if symptoms improve.
• Upper endoscopy: This is a tube with a camera attached that is used to inspect the esophagus. A biopsy is excellent for documenting the type and extent of tissue damage in gastroesophageal reflux and for detecting other gastroesophageal lesions that may mimic GERD and detecting GERD complications such as esophageal stricture, Barret metaplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Esophageal pH recording and Impedance Monitoring: The PH within the esophageal lumen may be monitored continuously for 24 to 48 hours. Catheter-based or wireless is used. long transnasal catheter. Esophageal PH monitoring devices provide information about the amount of esophageal acid reflux but not non-acid reflux.
• Esophageal Manometry:  It measures muscle contractions in the esophagus during swallowing and the strength of the sphincter can be used for distinguishing motility disorders
• Upper Digestive System X-Ray: This is a type of X-ray that shows certain physical abnormalities that might cause GERD. Sometimes this can be obtained prior to endoscopy to identify stricture.

GERD diagnosis involves confirming symptoms through tests like endoscopy or pH monitoring. Accessing GERD treatment in Coimbatore facilitates personalized care plans, integrating lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical options to manage symptoms effectively and enhance overall well-being.

List of treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

• Lifestyle Changes:

• Avoiding trigger foods like spicy, acidic, and fatty items.

• Eating smaller meals and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Raising the head of the bed and quitting smoking.

• Medications:
• Using over-the-counter antacids for quick relief of heartburn.
• Taking prescription medications such as H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) or proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole) to reduce stomach acid production.
• Prokinetic medications or foam barriers may be prescribed in certain cases.

• Surgical Interventions:
• Considering fundoplication surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
• Exploring minimally invasive procedures like LINX device implantation or endoscopic treatments to improve LES function.

• Behavioral Therapy:
• Using biofeedback techniques to improve bodily function control and symptom management.

• Management of Complications:
• Addressing any complications like esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett’s esophagus with specific treatments tailored to the individual.

Searching for GERD treatment in Coimbatore? Discover lifestyle adjustments like dietary changes and weight management, coupled with medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers. Consult an ELCE Hospital for personalized care options as its one of the best GERD treatment hospitals in Coimbatore.

• Patients with suspected extraesophageal GERD symptoms that do not resolve with twice daily dose of PPI

• Patients with significant dysphagia or other alarm symptoms

• Patients with Barrett esophagus with dysplasia or early mucosal cancer

The cost of GERD treatment in Coimbatore varies but generally ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹1,20,000 depending on the specific treatments needed like medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical intervention. The type of GERD treatment chosen can significantly influence the overall cost.

7 tips for preventing GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):

1. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
2. Avoid trigger foods such as citrus, spicy, or fatty foods.
3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
4. Avoid lying down right after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours.
5. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
6. Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches.
7. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

7 specific do’s and don’ts for managing GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):

Do’s:

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
2. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
3. Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent nighttime reflux.
4. Stay hydrated with water, and limit caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
6. Keep a food diary to identify and avoid trigger foods that worsen your symptoms.
7. Consider chewing sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize acid.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid trigger foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, and caffeine.
2. Don’t lie down immediately after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours before lying down.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can worsen reflux.
4. Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing that puts pressure on your abdomen.
5. Avoid eating large meals, especially close to bedtime.
6. Don’t overuse over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, which can irritate the stomach.
7. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating; opt for a gentle walk instead.

ELCE Hospital, one of the best GERD treatments in Coimbatore, prioritizes comprehensive GERD treatment, ensuring patients receive specialized care plans. Their expertise in GERD treatment in Coimbatore guarantees optimal solutions, addressing symptoms effectively and enhancing overall well-being.