Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
🔹 What are the symptoms of GERD?
- A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), especially after eating and at night.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid.
- Sore throat.
- Trouble sleeping, especially when reflux occurs at night.
- A sour taste in the mouth, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain, and even a dry cough.
If your GERD symptoms are severe, persistent, or you’re taking medication more than twice a week, you should schedule a consultation with Professor Dr. Tamer Saeed.
🔹 What is GERD?
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus—the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach—causing irritation of the esophageal lining.
Many people experience acid reflux occasionally. GERD may be:
• Mild: Occurs at least twice a week.
• Moderate to severe: Occurs once a week or more.
GERD symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, more severe cases may require prescription medications or surgery.
Diagnosis and Causes
🔹 How is GERD diagnosed?
- Upper endoscopy: A flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach. It may reveal inflammation of the esophagus.
- Acid monitoring (pH probe): A device is placed in the esophagus to monitor acid exposure. This may be a thin tube passed through the nose or a small clip placed during endoscopy that passes out naturally.
- Esophageal manometry: This test measures rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) in the esophagus during swallowing and assesses muscle coordination and strength.
- Upper GI X-ray: Taken after swallowing a contrast liquid (barium) that coats the digestive tract for better visualization.
🔹 What causes GERD?
GERD results from frequent acid reflux. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food into the stomach and closes afterward. If this muscle becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, irritating and inflaming its lining.
Risk Factors and Treatment
🔹 Risk Factors for GERD
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
- Connective tissue disorders
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Fatty or fried foods
🔹 How is GERD treated?
Treatment typically follows a three-step approach: 1. Lifestyle Modifications, 2. Medications, 3. Surgical Intervention
- ✅ 1.Lifestyle Changes: In many cases, GERD can be managed by: Modifying diet, Taking nutritional supplements, Losing weight, Quitting smoking and alcohol, Elevating the head during sleep, Avoiding food before bedtime.
- 💊 2.Medications: If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, medical therapy may be necessary. Medications can provide stronger relief but should be discussed with your doctor.
- 🩺 3.Surgery: Patients who don’t respond to medication or lifestyle changes—or need long-term medication—may benefit from surgery. Surgery for GERD is highly effective.
Fundoplication (Nissen procedure):
The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to tighten the sphincter and prevent reflux. This is usually done laparoscopically (minimally invasive).
General FAQs and Instructions
General FAQs about GERD
- What’s the difference between acidity and GERD? Acidity is a temporary symptom, while GERD is a chronic condition that occurs repeatedly and may lead to complications.
- Can GERD cause shortness of breath or chest pain? Yes, especially if acid reaches the windpipe or affects surrounding nerves.
- Can GERD be treated without surgery? In mild stages, yes—through lifestyle changes and medication. Chronic cases may require surgery.
- What is the link between obesity and GERD? Obesity increases pressure on the stomach, making it easier for acid to reflux into the esophagus.
- Is the surgery painful? How long is the recovery? It is typically performed laparoscopically and is relatively simple. Most patients return to work within about a week.
- Will I need medications after surgery? Most patients do not require acid-suppressing medications post-surgery, though some may need them temporarily.
- Is the surgery safe? Yes, it’s highly safe, especially when performed by experienced surgeons using minimally invasive techniques.
📝 Pre-operative Instructions for GERD Surgery
- Fasting: Avoid food and drink for 6–8 hours before surgery.
- Stop certain medications: Like blood thinners and NSAIDs, as instructed by your doctor.
- Pre-operative testing: Includes upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and blood tests.
- Inform your doctor: About any chronic illnesses, previous surgeries, or medication allergies.
- Stomach preparation: In some cases, laxatives or extended fasting may be recommended.
🩺 Post-operative Instructions for GERD Surgery
- Eating and Drinking: Days 1–2: Clear liquids only. Day 3 onward: Soft or mashed foods. After 2 weeks: Gradual return to normal food. Avoid spicy, acidic foods and carbonated drinks for 4–6 weeks.
- Physical Activity: Complete rest for the first 48 hours. Light walking is encouraged. Avoid lifting heavy objects for 4 weeks.
- Follow-up: Schedule a follow-up visit within one week. Endoscopy may be required after 3–6 months.
- Warning Signs to Monitor: High fever, severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, bleeding.
- General Advice: Sleep at a 45-degree angle. Eat 5–6 small meals a day. Avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after meals.
Diet After GERD Surgery
🚫 Foods and Drinks to Avoid After GERD Surgery
(For at least 4–6 weeks; tolerance may be assessed later with your doctor.)
1. Foods that increase acidity or relax the LES:
- Spicy foods (chili, hot sauce, curry)
- Tomatoes and their products (sauce, ketchup)
- Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
- Raw onions and garlic
- Chocolate & Peppermint
2. Drinks to avoid:
- Regular and instant coffee
- Strong tea
- Carbonated drinks
- Acidic juices (orange, lemon, mango)
- Energy drinks
3. Hard-to-digest or gas-producing foods:
- Fried food and fast food
- Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli (first month)
- Legumes (lentils, beans – first month)
- Saturated fats (ghee, butter)
- High-sugar desserts
✅ Recommended Foods After GERD Surgery
(To be introduced gradually based on recovery phase—soft or mashed in early weeks.)
1. Beneficial liquids and drinks:
- Water (at least 2 liters daily)
- Strained soup
- Low-fat or fat-free milk
- Fat-free yogurt
- Herbal teas (chamomile, anise)
2. Soft and easily digestible foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- White rice or mashed rice
- Boiled pasta (no red sauce)
- Steamed vegetables
- Boiled/grilled chicken breast
- Steamed or grilled fish
3. Suitable fruits:
- Mashed or cooked apple
- Banana (in moderation)
- Ripe pear
- Melon and watermelon
4. Light protein sources:
- Boiled egg whites
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Water-packed tuna (no oil)
📝 Important Notes:
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
- Divide meals into 5–6 small portions daily.
- Avoid lying down after meals (wait at least 2 hours).
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods.
Contact Us
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Location: Saudi German Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971-58-675-8981