Best Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Doctors in Bangalore

Types/Stages of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) manifests itself in several types identified by GERD specialists:

• Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD): This type of GERD does not cause visible damage to the oesophagus upon endoscopic examination but presents symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.

• Erosive esophagitis (EE): GERD results in visible damage to the oesophagus due to acid reflux, causing inflammation and erosion of tissue.

• Barrett's oesophagus (BE): Chronic exposure to stomach acid causes changes in the tissue lining the lower oesophagus. It is a severe form of GERD and increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

• Silent reflux: A lesser-known form of acid reflux which presents with atypical or extraesophageal symptoms, such as chronic cough, hoarseness, and asthma, which are not typical of regular acid reflux.

Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Commonly observed symptoms listed by doctors for GERD include:

• Heartburn or acid indigestion

• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Regular sensation of a lump in the throat

• Chronic cough and hoarseness

Tests to Diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

At Apollo Hospitals, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Doctors use several diagnostic techniques for diagnosis:

• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD): It allows direct visualisation of the oesophageal mucosa.

• Ambulatory pH monitoring: The standard test for diagnosing acid reflux.

• Oesophageal manometry and impedance study: It checks for low pressure in the oesophagus and defects in oesophageal muscle contractions.

• pH testing: It measures acid levels inside the oesophagus.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore:

The specialists for gastroesophageal reflux at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore provide a combination of medical interventions to manage it effectively:

• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription antacids

• Blockers: Acid reducers such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors

• Surgery: Surgical interventions like fundoplication (wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus).

• Lifestyle: Changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, dietary modifications, and elevating the head during sleep.