What is reflux?
Reflux or heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux).
How do you get reflux?
Reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. Causes can include lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, certain diets (fatty, spicy foods, chocolate, alcohol, coffee), and eating large meals or late at night. Medical conditions such as hiatal hernia, pregnancy (due to increased pressure and hormones), and certain medications can also contribute to reflux
What to do during an acid reflux attack?
During an acid reflux attack, remain upright to use gravity to your advantage, loosen tight clothing, and take small sips of water to help wash acid back into your stomach. You can also take over-the-counter antacids such as Gaviscon or Rennie, for quick relief and practice deep, slow breathing to reduce stress. If you have severe or frequent symptoms, or chest pain with other symptoms, book a consultation to see me.
What is the treatment for reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications. Lifestyle adjustments like dietary changes, weight loss, and elevating the head while sleeping are often the first line of defence. Over-the-counter options include antacids and H2 blockers, whilst proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed for more severe cases. If symptoms continue with treatment, you are worried about the long-term effects of treatment, or increasing doses are required to treat symptoms, surgery should be considered. Book a consultation to discuss this with a specialist.
What is the surgery for reflux?
The most common surgery for severe acid reflux is a Nissen fundoplication, a type of anti-reflux surgery where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the oesophagus to create a new valve, strengthening the sphincter that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up the oesophagus. This is typically performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery through small incisions. To discuss the procedure, its risks and benefits, book a consultation with a specialist.
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During an acid reflux attack, remain upright to use gravity to your advantage, loosen tight clothing, and take small sips of water to help wash acid back into your stomach. You can also take over-the-counter antacids such as Gaviscon or Rennie, for quick relief and practice deep, slow breathing to reduce stress. If you have severe or frequent symptoms, or chest pain with other symptoms, book a consultation to see me.
Acid reflux is typically diagnosed through a combination of symptom assessment, lifestyle evaluations, and medical tests. A pH monitoring test, which measures stomach acid levels in the oesophagus over a short period, is a common method to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of acid reflux. Other tests include upper endoscopy and scans of the upper digestive system.
Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications. Lifestyle adjustments like dietary changes, weight loss, and elevating the head while sleeping are often the first line of defence. Over-the-counter options include antacids and H2 blockers, whilst proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed for more severe cases. If symptoms continue with treatment, you are worried about the long-term effects of treatment, or increasing doses are required to treat symptoms, surgery should be considered. Book a consultation to discuss this with a specialist.
The most common surgery for severe acid reflux is a Nissen fundoplication, a type of anti-reflux surgery where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the oesophagus to create a new valve, strengthening the sphincter that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up the oesophagus. This is typically performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery through small incisions. To discuss the procedure, its risks and benefits, book a consultation with a specialist.
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