GERD: Can it be cured permanently?

It is common for people to experience acid reflux. However, if you are experiencing the burning sensation and heartburn consistently, you are suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). If you neglect the symptoms, there is a high possibility of developing serious complications. But the good news is that GERD is a treatable condition.

In some patients who are diagnosed with GERD in the initial stage, medicines and lifestyle modifications might work. However, in severe cases, patients are required to undergo GERD treatment surgery.

But the question almost every patient has in their mind is whether the disease is permanently curable or not following the treatment.

Treatment For GERD

The answer to the above questions is yes. With timely and effective treatment, it is possible to cure GERD permanently. After carefully examining your symptoms, your doctor will prepare a treatment plan.

Treatment options for GERD typically involve the following

1. Medications: To give immediate relief from the symptoms, patients are prescribed medicines. Antacids and H2 Blockers are recommended to neutralize or reduce the acid in the stomach. If the esophagus is damaged, in that case, proton pump inhibitor is given to reduce acid reflux and also to heal the esophagus. After taking the medicines, your symptoms may go away. But that does not mean that this condition is completely cured. The symptoms may again reappear if the medicines are stopped.
2. Surgical interventions: One of the most effective ways to manage GERD is gerd treatment surgery. Your doctor might recommend the following surgical interventions to completely cure the condition.

• Fundoplication: It is the most common surgery for GERD. During the procedure, the top of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus.
• Bariatric surgery: If obesity is the cause of chronic acid reflux, you might be required to undergo bariatric surgery to manage both obesity and GERD.
• LINX reflux management system: In this procedure, a LINX device is surgically placed at the lower end of the esophagus to reduce the severe symptoms of GERD when lifestyle modifications and medicines are not working.
• Transoral incisionless fundoplication: It is a minimally invasive procedure and uses polypropylene fasteners to tighten the muscles of the lower esophagus.
• Stretta procedure: It is also a minimally invasive procedure where low-frequency heat waves are used to reshape the lower esophageal sphincter.

If you are worried about the symptoms of GERD and its long-term complications, you must consult a good gastro surgeon and determine which surgery is required by you depending on the severity of the condition.

Symptoms Indicating The Requirement For GERD Treatment Surgery

The following are the alarming signs of GERD indicating the requirement for GERD treatment surgery. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following.

1. Regular heartburn
2. Difficulty in swallowing
3. Blood in stool
4. Anemia
5. Weight loss

Conclusion

It is possible to say goodbye to the chronic symptoms of GERD. Talk with an experienced gastro surgeon and seek timely treatment to prevent the risk of long-term damages and permanently get cured of the condition.