Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment in India
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What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is abbreviated as GERD. Depending on where you are, it can be spelt GORD for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Chronic acid reflux disease of the oesophagus is abbreviated as GERD. You have acid reflux at least two times a week for several weeks, and then it's chronic.
Temporary causes can produce temporary acid reflux, but GERD is an ongoing mechanical problem. It signals a problem in the mechanisms designed to keep acid out of the oesophagus.
Acid reflux occurs in many people periodically. Acid reflux may lead to GERD if it reoccurs occasionally.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
It is crucial to treat the condition early to prevent GERD (gastric reflux disease) from worsening and causing damage to the oesophagus, such as ulcers, bleeding, or narrowing (strictures). Untreated GERD may lead to more severe conditions, such as Barrett's oesophagus or oesophagal cancer. Early treatment manages symptoms, improves quality of life, and guards the oesophagus and other parts of the digestive system against permanent damage. Moreover, it facilitates faster recovery, reduces pain, and renders more invasive procedures obsolete in the future.
What are the Common Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Common symptoms of GERD are:
- Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. It typically occurs after eating and may worsen at night or when lying down.
- Meal or sour liquid backwash in the throat.
- Chest or upper abdomen pain.
- Difficulty swallowing is called dysphagia.
- A lump in the throat is seen.
Causes and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Causes
- Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): The stomach acid may flow back into the oesophagus if it relaxes or weakens as a muscle separating the stomach from the oesophagus.
- A hiatal hernia may impair the function of the LES when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest.
- Excess weight puts additional pressure on the abdomen, forcing stomach acid into the oesophagus.
- Acid reflux can happen during pregnancy because of hormonal fluctuations and pressure on the stomach.
- Smoking disrupts the saliva function, which aids in neutralising stomach acid and relaxes the LES.
Risk Factors
The following are risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD:
- Pregnancy and Obesity
- The Hiatal Hernia
- Smoking, Diet
- Medications
- Age and Family Background
- delayed Emptying of the Stomach
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Prevention Tips
The following advice can help avoid gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD:
- To avoid GERD, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight may increase pressure in the abdomen, leading to acid reflux.
- Avoid trigger foods such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, and spicy, fatty, and acidic foods.
- To have proper digestion, at least two to three hours should elapse after having food before retiring to bed.
- You can prevent acid from returning to your oesophagus while sleeping by elevating the head of your bed.
- Since smoking and alcohol consumption relax the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), these habits need to be eliminated.
- Lastly, GERD symptoms can be minimised by employing relaxation techniques to cope with stress.
Treatment options for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastric Bypass: By reducing the production of stomach acid and abdominal pressure, gastric bypass surgery may benefit GERD sufferers, often relieving symptoms. When other therapies fail, it is typically considered in obese patients with severe GERD.
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- Clinical assessment:
- A PhysicalExamination is performed to look for signs of issues, such as belly pain, swelling, or weight loss.
- Imaging Tests:
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD): An upper endoscopy involves using a flexible tube with a camera to search for injury, such as ulcers or inflammation, in the stomach and oesophagus.
- Ambulatory 24-hour pH Monitoring: This test monitors the acid level in the oesophagus for 24 hours to determine if acid reflux occurs.
- Esophageal Manometry: A procedure that measures the functioning and pressure of the oesophagal muscles and lower oesophagal sphincter (LES).
MediRehab (chain of Rehab centres - Part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients in India. These services include:
DietaryModifications: A registered dietitian can provide a meal plan that avoids irritants such as chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
Weight reduction: Because obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure, losing excess weight through exercise and good nutrition will significantly reduce GERD symptoms.
Physical therapy: Postural and diaphragmatic breathing exercises can reduce reflux attacks and enhance digestion.
- Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.
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Hospitals for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in India
Apollo Hospital
Chennai, India
Apollo Hospital located in Chennai, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Committed Centers of Excellence involving many major specialties, super specialties
- Assistance in trip planning and execution
- Insurance related assistance
- Visa facilitation
- International patient representatives for complete end to end travel and transfer processing for medical travellers
- Language translators availability
- Robust safety and infection protocols
- Personalised, Visa and Premium Health Checks available
- Health Library and accessing health records online
- Wide variety of procedures accomplished including complex and critical procedures
- Technologically advanced systems and procedures in place
- Research and academics base of healthcare delivery
Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals
Kolkata, India
Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals located in Kolkata, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- International patient Center
- Focus on research and innovation
- Different amenities: Transport, Security, Travel Desk, Places of Worship, Telecommunication Service, Special Nurse, Food & Dietary Services
- Several kinds of rooms: General ward, Semi Private Rooms, Private Rooms, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Suite, Maharaja Suite, HDU, Gastro ICU, Emergency, Neonatal ICU, Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3
- Health Insurance coverage available
- Here is a comprehensive list of the various kinds of key medical procedures performed through the latest technology.
- Arthroscopy
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
- Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
- Hand Microsurgery
- Hip Arthroscopy
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Subvastus Total Knee Replacement
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- 128 Slice PET CT
- Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS)
- ECMO
- OCT Technique - Optical Coherence Tomography
- Single Port Endoscopic technique of Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR)
BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals
Bangalore, India
Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, is a leading healthcare centre in Bengaluru, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-focused care locally and globally. The hospital houses 15 specialised departments with over 30 medical and surgical specialities, supported by 450 beds, advanced emergency services, imaging, laboratory, and transfusion facilities.
It is renowned for pioneering initiatives such as South India’s first 5G-enabled ambulance and Karnataka’s largest Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Recognised among India’s top paediatric cranio-maxillofacial centres, it is also the first in Karnataka to receive the AHPI Award 2024 for “Excellence in Nursing Practices” consecutively.
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Why Choose India for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Treatment?
India's advanced healthcare infrastructure, well-trained medical specialists, and affordable medical care make it a first-rate destination for GERD treatment. The country offers access to state-of-the-art medical centres with the latest diagnostic technology and therapeutic options, including medicine, lifestyle modification, and minimally invasive surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
GERD can cause chest pain, often described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone. This occurs when stomach acid irritates the oesophagus, causing discomfort. It's important to differentiate between the two since the pain may sometimes mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.
Yes, if left untreated, GERD can lead to several issues, including strictures, esophagitis, and ulcers of the oesophagus. It may also increase the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, which can develop into oesophagal cancer. Also, due to acid exposure, GERD may cause tooth decay and respiratory conditions like asthma or a chronic cough. To prevent these medical issues, early treatment is required.
The severity of GERD and the treatment plan decide the time to heal. In some weeks, numerous individuals feel well after undergoing proper treatment, such as dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle modification. However, in some cases, it may take months to recover. Long-term therapy may be required in some cases, especially if GERD is severe or chronic. In India, Recovery may be longer when surgery is necessary; it takes one to two months to heal completely.
Lifestyle changes can significantly help control GERD. These include consuming smaller meals, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, such as hot or fatty foods, and not lying down immediately after a meal. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking, and keeping to a healthy weight can also alleviate symptoms.
Loose-fitting clothing, lifting the bed head, and relaxation techniques to cope with stress can also help control GERD. Chewing gum can also help neutralise acid by stimulating saliva production. Combining these changes with medical guidance can make GERD management more effective.
When medication and lifestyle modification fail to control GERD, surgery is typically considered. The most popular two options are the LINX procedure, which uses a magnetic ring to help the LES remain closed, and fundoplication, which reinforces the LES. In some cases, bariatric surgery or gastric bypass might also alleviate GERD symptoms by facilitating weight loss, which reduces reflux and intra-abdominal pressure. Surgery is typically only done in the most critical cases or if complications occur.
Yes, GERD is common during pregnancy due to the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the stomach, hormonal fluctuations, and significantly elevated progesterone, which relaxes the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). These factors make reflux frequent during pregnancy, often worsening during the second and third trimesters. Although safe medications and lifestyle changes are typically employed to treat GERD during pregnancy, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider.
Yes, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a sign of GERD. Swallowing may be painful or difficult if stomach acid repeatedly irritates the oesophagus, leading to inflammation, tightening, or strictures (scar tissue).
To prevent GERD flare-ups, have small, frequent meals and avoid trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, and acidic foods. Do not eat before lying down, and maintain a normal weight to decrease stomach pressure. Stress reduction, smoking cessation, and elevating the head of your bed may also alleviate symptoms. Wearing loose clothing and adhering to prescription medication may also be helpful.
Reviewer
Dr. Ashish George
Gastroenterologist
18 Years of Experience
Dr. Ashish George is one of the leading names in HPB surgery & liver transplantation and has about 18+ years of experience.He is a principal consultant & unit head of liver transplant at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. View More
Last Reviewed - January 2026