The stomach acid and sometimes even food in the stomach comes back into the food pipe (ESOPHAGUS).
Acid Reflux leads to Heartburn, Acidity, Excessive burping, bad breath, hoarseness of voice and recurrent throat infections.
It may worsen at night and may cause a choking sensation which wakes up the patient from sleep feeling very scared.
If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have GERD
The Commonest cause is weakness of the one way circular muscle valve called Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) in the lower part of the food pipe and entrance to the stomach which closes as soon as food passes through it.
If the LES doesn’t close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus.
The commonest cause of a Loose LES is due to a Hiatus Hernia.
Other important causes of GERD are OBESITY and PREGNANCY.
Also dietary and lifestyle habits cause GERD, most importantly
Excessive alcohol, carbonated drinks, excessive coffee and tea
Smoking
Eating heavy meals just before bedtime or exercising after a big meal.
This is a condition where there is widening of diaphragmatic opening between the chest and abdomen.
The upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm.
Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach.
But if you have a hiatal hernia, the acid can move up into your esophagus and lead to GERD.
Apart from changes and symptoms of the food pipe, people have other symptoms like bad breath sore throat, voice changes, choking sensation while sleeping
Most common surgery performed is a Hiatal Hernia Repair with a Fundoplication
These are done using minimally invasive techniques ( Laparoscopic / Robotic Surgery).
These ensure a faster return to normal life and ensures an excellent quality of life.
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