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Understanding the condition
GERD occurs when reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms or complications. Heartburn and regurgitation are common, but cough, chest discomfort or swallowing symptoms may have other causes.
What the evaluation looks for
Endoscopy, reflux monitoring and esophageal motility testing may help establish the diagnosis and guide surgery. Persistent symptoms despite medication do not, by themselves, prove that an operation will help.
How treatment is chosen
Lifestyle measures and medication are common first treatments. Selected patients may benefit from anti-reflux surgery. Fundoplication reinforces the reflux barrier; the choice of procedure considers swallowing function, anatomy, gas-bloat and the possibility of recurrent symptoms.
Questions worth asking
- Has abnormal reflux been objectively demonstrated?
- Which symptoms is treatment expected to improve?
- How might surgery affect swallowing, belching or bloating?
When to seek help promptly
Progressive swallowing difficulty, bleeding or unexplained weight loss needs prompt evaluation. Severe or new chest pain needs urgent assessment.