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What is GERD?
Normal acid reflux is a natural and occasional occurrence that happens to everyone. However, it becomes a disease when symptoms develop, leading to inflammation at the end of the food pipe. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is characterized by the abnormal reflux of gastric content, mainly acid, in the food pipe, causing troublesome symptoms. In advanced cases, food can also flow back into the food pipe, resulting in a condition known as FERD (Food-Esophageal Reflux Disease).
At ALSA Pakistan, Dr. Tahir Yunus performs Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery to provide a precise and efficient approach to managing gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Mechanism of Action
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is caused by an increased acid reflux in the chest due to abnormalities in the valve between the food pipe and stomach,
This valve has two parts;
- The internal part is called LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
- The external part is called hiatus.
These two parts of the valve need to work together in harmony to maintain the proper functioning of the valve and prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Any damage or dysfunction in either part can disrupt this coordinated mechanism and lead to the development of GERD.
1 Hiatal hernia
In some cases, the hiatal valve becomes wide open, and the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through it. This disruption in alignment obstructs proper function of the valve, leading to GERD symptoms.
2 Lax LES
When the LES is relaxed, it allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing acid reflux and contributing to GERD.
3 Hiatal hernia and LES dysfunction
The combination of these two factors can also occur, leading to increased risk of acid reflux into the esophagus.
4 Motility disorders
Normally, the coordinated movements in the food pipe help clear acid that have entered into the esophagus. However, when these coordinated movements are impaired, acid remains in the food pipe, leading to GERD.
Other conditions may mimic GERD symptoms, such as neuromuscular disorders or indigestion, so careful evaluation is necessary to accurately diagnose and manage it effectively. Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery is the standard procedure that offers patients lasting relief from acid reflux and related discomfort.
Symptoms
GERD can look different from person to person. Although it can comprise a broad spectrum of symptoms, these symptoms can be categorized into two main groups: typical and atypical. This classification helps in understanding the diverse ways in which this condition can affect different patients.
Typical symptoms
Typical symptoms occur when acid goes up and irritates the food pipe. These include;
- Sometime frequent vomiting
- Dry mouth when wake up
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Tongue soreness
- Heart burn
- Bad breath
- Frequent burping
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Pain and discomfort behind the breastbone, which can sometimes become a burning sensation and may also spread to the chest area.
As the severity of the diseases increases, the symptoms can become more pronounced and bothersome. Acid reflux moving further up the esophagus can lead to the following sensations:
- Feeling of food stuck in the lower part of the throat: This sensation occurs when acid reflux irritates the lower part of the food pipe.
- Bitter taste or burning sensation in the mouth and throat: This happens when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe and may even reach the mouth. The fluid can have a sour or acidic taste.
When this stomach acid travel further up the food pipe and reaches the windpipe, it causes;
- Persistent cough: The irritation from acid reflux can trigger a chronic cough that may not respond to typical cough remedies.
- Hoarseness or voice changes: The acid can also affect the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or changes in the voice.
Discomfort in ear: The connection between the ear and throat is through the Eustachian tube, which is a narrow passage that runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. In some cases, acid reflux from the throat can reach the opening of this tube and cause irritation. This irritation can lead to a feeling of itching or discomfort in the ear, commonly referred to as “ear itching” or “ear itching due to throat connection.” Additionally, in some cases, it may contribute to a mild hearing impairment or cause sounds to be perceived differently, referred to as “ear congestion.”
Common habits in people
with typical symptoms;
Symptoms tend to worsen after eating because the opening between the stomach and the food pipe widens, allowing more acid to flow back up. Lying down straight creates a straight alignment of the food pipe, which further widens the opening and facilitates stomach acid movement upward. To manage their condition effectively, these individuals adopt certain practices, including:
- Consuming a light early dinner.
- Avoiding late-night eating.
- Waiting for several hours after meals before lying down.
- Using multiple pillows to elevate the head and avoid lying flat.
- Identifying trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms (such as tea, coffee, juices, and pulses) and avoiding them.
By making these adjustments to their lifestyle and dietary habits, they aim to minimize acid reflux and alleviate the discomfort. Patients seeking long-term relief from acid reflux find relief in Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery, a specialized approach offered at ALSA Pakistan.
Atypical symptoms
Atypical symptoms of GERD are more related to the respiratory system. These individuals may experience less chest pain or other food pipe symptoms. Instead, they are more likely to present with symptoms related to the lungs such as;
- Chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, and breathing difficulties.
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a type of acid reflux that affects the upper part of the digestive tract, primarily the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat, causing irritation and inflammation in the sensitive tissues of the larynx and pharynx causing symptoms such as hoarseness, excessive mucous or phlegm, throat clearing, sensation of a lump in the throat, choking spells, wheezing, etc.
- The long-term exposure to stomach acid can cause damage, leading to conditions like pulmonary fibrosis (lung damage) in some cases.
- Some people may develop asthma as a result of GERD, but this connection often goes undiagnosed. They may unknowingly attribute their symptoms to allergies and continue with asthma treatments without addressing the underlying GERD.
Diagnosis
It is a disease with symptoms that can overlap with other conditions. While the symptoms are typically associated with the food pipe, motility disorders or neuromuscular disorders can cause similar manifestations when normal peristaltic movements are disrupted.
Dyspepsia symptoms can also mimic those of GERD, making it challenging to differentiate between the two.
To diagnose GERD, several tests are performed, including:
Upper endoscopy
This helps identify issues like a weakened LES, hiatal hernia, esophageal erosions from acid reflux, or any other reasons, such as tumors, that may be causing the symptoms.
Motility study
This assesses the proper functioning of the food pipe’s motility, helping to rule out or confirm any abnormalities.
pH study
This test is used to gather additional evidence to confirm whether symptoms are related to acid reflux or caused by other factors.
Based on the results of these tests, a diagnosis can be established.
It is essential to conduct thorough evaluations and diagnostic tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate management. Differentiating GERD from other conditions with overlapping symptoms is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery may be considered if indicated by the test findings.
Relationship between GERD and Obesity
GERD and obesity are closely linked, and understanding this connection is crucial in managing patients with both conditions effectively. Obesity, characterized by excess body weight, can lead to increased pressure in the abdominal area. This heightened pressure puts added stress on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus.
When the LES is exposed to increased abdominal pressures, it may become weaker or relaxed, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily. As a result, individuals with obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing acid reflux, heartburn, and other GERD symptoms.
Furthermore, obesity can contribute to the development of hiatal hernia, a condition where a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This hernia disrupts the alignment and function of the LES, making it less effective in preventing acid reflux and exacerbating GERD symptoms.
Shedding excess weight can help reduce abdominal pressure, leading to improved LES function and decreased acid reflux. For individuals dealing with obesity and GERD, the most effective and optimal solution is often recommended to be Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery combined with RYGB (Roux-n-Y gastric bypass).
Treatment Options
At ALSA Pakistan, Dr. Tahir Yunus takes a holistic approach when guiding his patients through the treatment journey for GERD. Recognizing the complexity of the condition, he emphasizes the significance of lifestyle modifications, tailored medication regimens, and, when necessary, surgical options. This well-rounded approach ensures that patients receive personalized care and a comprehensive strategy to effectively manage and alleviate their symptoms.
- Lifestyle modifications play a vital role in the initial management of GERD. Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms by causing relaxation of the LES is crucial. These may include items like mints, chocolates, oils, spices, and fatty foods. Additionally, quitting smoking is essential, as smoking not only relaxes the LES but also increases acid production and inflames the esophagus.
- Weight loss is particularly significant for individuals with obesity and GERD. Reducing excess weight can alleviate abdominal pressure, leading to improved LES function and a reduction in acid reflux.
- Medications such as antacids, are commonly used to help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, providing relief from GERD symptoms.
- For patients with a diagnosed lax LES or a hiatal hernia surgical options are most effective. Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery and fundoplication procedures are successful in achieving a 60-90% reduction in acid reflux into the chest, leading to improved symptom control.
- Endoscopic treatments are also available for certain patients. Argon laser ablation can induce fibrotic scarring of the LES, helping to increase its tone and potentially benefit those with isolated lax LES. Endoscopic fundoplication is another option for LES treatment. However, these are not suitable for patients with a hiatal hernia.
- For individuals with morbid obesity and GERD the recommendation is to consider Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, along with hiatal hernia repair, if applicable. RYGB promotes weight loss and can provide additional benefits for GERD management.
We believe the treatment approach for GERD should be tailored to each individual’s specific condition and needs. A multidisciplinary approach involving lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions can lead to successful outcomes in managing the condition effectively. Laparoscopic Anti-reflux surgery offers patients a minimally invasive solution to address acid reflux and improve their quality of life. At ALSA Pakistan, Dr. Tahir Yunus performs this procedure, aimed at ensuring the optimal health and comfort of his patients. Your well-being is our priority!
