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  • Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid Reflux and GERD

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

GERD, Surgery for

Surgery for GERD

Image of esophagus

During this surgery, called a fundoplication, your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is re-created by wrapping the top of your stomach around the esophagus. It can sometimes be done with a laparoscope through several small incisions instead of a single long one, as in the traditional open procedure. As a result, there is less pain, a quicker recovery time, a shorter hospital stay, and lower risk of infection.

image of esophagus and diaphram

Lifting the Esophagus

If the opening of the hiatus is too large (hiatal hernia), the doctor may tighten it with a few stitches (sutures). This repairs the hiatal hernia. Then the esophagus is lifted out of the way for a short time

Image of esophagus

Stomach being wrapped around the esophagus. This added support helps prevent reflux.

Image of esophagus

The wrap is permanently stitched in place. Two commonly used wraps are full and partial.

Laparoscopic Surgery

  • You will be given anesthesia and any other medications through an intravenous tube (called an IV). You will be asleep during surgery.
  • Your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide more space for your surgeon to see and work. (The gas is removed at the end of surgery.)
  • The laparoscope, which has a camera attached, is then inserted through an incision to send images to a video screen. Small surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions.

Open Surgery

  • If your surgeon feels it isn’t safe to continue with a laparoscopic procedure once surgery has started, he or she will complete the operation through a larger incision in your chest or abdomen. This is called an open procedure.
  • This surgery requires a longer recovery time, up to 1 week in the hospital and from 4-6 weeks at home.
Acid Reflux, What Is

What Is Acid Reflux?

Cutaway view of throat to stomach

Do you have to clear your throat or cough often? Are you hoarse? Do you have difficulty swallowing? If you have these or other throat symptoms, you may have acid reflux (when stomach acid washes up and irritates your throat).

Why You Have Throat Symptoms

At both ends of the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach) are the esophageal sphincters. These muscles relax to let food pass, then tighten to keep stomach acid down. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t tighten enough, acid can reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. This may cause heartburn. If the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) also doesn’t work well, acid can travel higher and enter your throat (pharynx). In many cases, this causes throat symptoms.

Common Throat Symptoms

  • Frequent need to clear your throat
  • Feeling like you’re choking
  • Chronic cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Sensation of having “a lump in the throat”
  • Sour or acid taste
  • Recurrent sore throat
Acid Reflux, Tips to Control

Tips to Control Acid Reflux

To control acid reflux, you’ll need to make some basic diet and lifestyle changes. The simple steps outlined below may be all you’ll need to relieve discomfort.

Watch What You Eat

  • Avoid fatty foods and spicy foods.
  • Eat fewer acidic foods, such as citrus and tomato-based foods. These can increase symptoms.
  • Limit drinking alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy beverages. All increase acid reflux.
  • Try limiting chocolate, peppermint, and spearmint. These can worsen acid reflux in some people.

Watch When You Eat

  • Avoid lying down for 3 hours after eating.
  • Do not snack before going to bed.

Raise Your Head

Raising your head and upper body by 4″ to 6″ helps limit reflux when you’re lying down. Put blocks under the head of the bed frame to raise it.

Other Changes

  • Lose weight, if you need to.
  • Don’t work out near bedtime.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
  • Limit aspirin and ibuprofen.
  • Stop smoking.
Acid Reflux, Medications for

Your healthcare provider has told you that you have acid reflux. This is a condition that causes stomach acid to wash up into your throat. For most people, acid reflux is troubling but not dangerous. However, left untreated, acid reflux sometimes damages the esophagus. Medications can help control acid reflux and limit your risk of future problems.

Medications for Acid Reflux

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help treat your acid reflux. Medication will be based on your symptoms and the results of any tests. Your healthcare provider will explain how to take your medication. You will also be told about possible side effects.

Reducing Stomach Acid

Your doctor may suggest antacids that you can buy over the counter. Or you may be told to take a type of medication called H2 blockers. These are available over the counter and by prescription (for higher doses).

Blocking Stomach Acid

In more severe cases, your doctor may suggest stronger medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These keep the stomach from making acid. They are often prescribed for long-term use.

Other Medications

If medications to reduce or block stomach acid don’t work, you may be switched to another type of medication. Some work to strengthen the LES and UES. Some help the stomach empty better.

GERD, Medications

Medications for GERD

GERD can be treated with several types of over-the-counter or prescription medications. In many cases, medications may be used together to help treat your GERD. Your doctor will tell you which medication or medications is best for your symptoms.

Antacids

Many over-the-counter antacids are available. These neutralize or weaken stomach acid. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy them. You should take these antacids only when you need to, according to your doctor’s advice.

NOTE: Side effects may include constipation or diarrhea. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor. Antacids can be high in sodium.

H-2 Blockers

If antacids alone don’t work, your doctor may recommend stronger medications called H-2 blockers. These medications suppress most of the stomach’s acid production. Many of these medications are now available at a lower dosage without a doctor’s prescription.

NOTE: H-2 blockers are mainly used short term. They may cause confusion in elderly patients. Some can also increase the effects of alcohol.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors

These medications reduce stomach acid even more than H-2 blockers. They are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Your doctor may prescribe one of these medications for you to help control the symptoms of GERD.

NOTE: These medications are mainly used short term. Side effects can include stomach or abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

Prokinetics

Some medications strengthen the squeezing action of the esophagus. Some make the stomach empty faster. These medications are usually used with H-2 blockers. They are available only with a prescription.

NOTE: Prokinetics can have many side effects. They include tiredness, depression, anxiety, and problems with physical movement. They also can cause abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and the “jitters.”

Medications to Avoid

Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen reduce the protective lining of your stomach, which can lead to more irritation. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications.

GERD, Controlling; Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle Changes for Controlling GERD

When you have GERD, stomach acid feels as if it’s backing up toward your mouth. Whether or not you take medication to control your GERD, your symptoms can often be improved with lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor about the following suggestions, which may help you get relief from your symptoms.

Raise Your Head

Image of patient in raised bed

Reflux is more likely to strike when you’re lying down flat, because stomach fluid can flow backward more easily. Raising the head of your bed 4-6 inches can help. To do this:

  • Slide blocks or books under the legs at the head of your bed. Or, place a wedge under the mattress. Many foam stores can make a suitable wedge for you. The wedge should run from your waist to the top of your head.
  • Don’t just prop your head on several pillows. This increases pressure on your stomach. It can make GERD worse.

Watch Your Eating Habits

Certain foods may increase the acid in your stomach or relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making GERD more likely. It’s best to avoid the following:

  • Coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks (with and without caffeine)
  • Fatty, fried, or spicy food
  • Mint, chocolate, onions, and tomatoes
  • Any other foods that seem to irritate your stomach or cause you pain

Relieve the Pressure

  • Eat smaller meals, even if you have to eat more often.
  • Don’t lie down right after you eat. Wait a few hours for your stomach to empty.
  • Avoid tight belts and tight-fitting clothes.
  • Lose excess weight.

Tobacco and Alcohol

Avoid smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. They can make GERD symptoms worse.

If you’re looking for advanced, comprehensive GI patient care, look to Hillmont GI. To schedule your appointment, call us at 215-402-0800. For your convenience, you can use our online form.

What Is GERD?

If you feel a painful burning sensation in your chest after you eat, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is a classic symptom of GERD, but you may have other symptoms as well.

Note: Chest pain may also be caused by heart problems. Be sure to have all chest pain evaluated by a doctor.

When You Have a Reflux Problem

Image of esophagus

With GERD, the weak LES allows food and fluids to travel back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

After you eat, food travels from your mouth down the esophagus to your stomach. Along the way, food passes through a one-way valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the opening to your stomach. Normally the LES opens when you swallow. It allows food to enter the stomach, then closes quickly. With GERD, the LES doesn’t work normally. It allows food and stomach acid to travel back (reflux) into the esophagus.

Some Common Symptoms

  • Frequent heartburn or burping
  • Sour-tasting fluid backing up into your mouth
  • Symptoms that get worse after you eat, bend over, or lie down
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing

Relieving Your Discomfort

You and your health care provider can work together to find the treatment options that best relieve your symptoms. These may include lifestyle changes, medication, and possibly surgery.

If you’re looking for advanced, comprehensive GI patient care, look to Hillmont GI. To schedule your appointment, call us at 215-402-0800. For your convenience, you can use our online form.

Hillmont G.I. provides complete care for wide range of GI conditions, which include Barrett’s esophagus, bile duct disorders, celiac disease, chronic diarrhea or constipation, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, colon & colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis & diverticulitis and other gastrointestinal disorders.

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