Quick Answer
GERD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) is the medical name for chronic acid reflux — when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe. It causes heartburn, regurgitation and a sour taste in the mouth. Dr. Anando Sengupta diagnoses GERD with a clinical assessment, an upper GI endoscopy when needed, and personalised diet, lifestyle and medication. Most patients become symptom-free within 4–8 weeks. Book a consultation →
What is GERD?
GERD is a chronic condition in which the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the food pipe and the stomach) fails to close properly. Acidic stomach contents repeatedly travel upward, irritating the oesophagus and producing the classic burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn.
Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is normal. GERD is diagnosed when reflux happens at least twice a week or causes complications such as oesophagitis, ulceration, narrowing of the oesophagus, or precancerous Barrett's changes.
Symptoms of GERD
Typical symptoms include:
- Heartburn — a burning sensation behind the breastbone, especially after meals or when lying down
- Regurgitation — sour or bitter fluid coming up into the mouth or throat
- Persistent dry cough, especially at night
- Acidic or metallic taste in the mouth
- Hoarse voice or sore throat in the morning
- Sensation of a lump in the throat (globus)
- Non-cardiac chest pain (always rule out heart disease first)
- Worsening of asthma or recurrent chest infections
What causes GERD?
The valve between your food pipe and stomach can become weak or open at the wrong time because of:
- Hiatal hernia — part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm
- Obesity & abdominal fat — raised pressure pushes acid upward
- Pregnancy — hormonal relaxation of the sphincter
- Smoking & alcohol
- Certain medications — calcium channel blockers, nitrates, NSAIDs, some asthma inhalers
- Connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma
Lifestyle & dietary triggers (especially in India)
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Spicy & oily curries, fried snacks (samosa, pakoda) | Delay gastric emptying, irritate the oesophagus |
| Tea, coffee & chocolate | Relax the lower oesophageal sphincter |
| Carbonated drinks (cola, soda) | Increase gastric pressure |
| Citrus, tomato, onion, garlic, mint | Direct mucosal irritation |
| Late dinners, lying down after meals | Gravity-driven reflux while supine |
| Heavy single meals | Over-distend the stomach |
How GERD is diagnosed
- Clinical assessment — classical heartburn and regurgitation are usually enough to start treatment.
- Upper GI endoscopy — recommended if symptoms persist beyond 6–8 weeks of treatment, are severe, or show alarm features. Detects oesophagitis, ulcers, strictures, hiatal hernia or Barrett's oesophagus.
- 24-hour pH study & oesophageal manometry — for atypical or refractory cases, before considering surgery.
Treatment options
1. Lifestyle & dietary changes
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Stay upright for at least 2 hours after eating
- Finish dinner 3 hours before lying down
- Elevate the head of the bed by 6 inches
- Lose 5–10% of body weight if overweight
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol
2. Medication
- Antacids — quick, short-term relief (Gelusil, Digene)
- H2 blockers — ranitidine, famotidine
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — pantoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole. Mainstay of GERD treatment, taken 30 minutes before breakfast for 4–8 weeks initially.
- Alginate suspensions — form a raft over stomach contents and reduce night-time reflux
- Prokinetics — help stomach empty faster in selected cases
3. Endoscopic & surgical options
For patients with severe disease, large hiatal hernia, or no response to medical therapy, options include endoscopic anti-reflux procedures and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Dr. Sengupta evaluates each case to recommend the right step.
Why choose Dr. Anando Sengupta for GERD?
- 9+ years specialist experience in functional and structural disorders of the oesophagus
- On-site upper GI endoscopy and 24-hour pH study at Fortis Shalimar Bagh
- Personalised diet plans tailored to Indian eating patterns
- Long-term follow-up via WhatsApp / teleconsult to ensure sustained relief
