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Condition

Acid Reflux / GERD

Frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort after meals.

Overview

Acid reflux (GERD) is when stomach acid moves back up into the food pipe more than just occasionally. It's one of the most common gastro complaints — burning, regurgitation, chest discomfort, sometimes a chronic cough. Frequent reflux can damage the food pipe over time, so persistent symptoms deserve proper evaluation. Many patients improve dramatically with the right treatment plan.

Common symptoms

  • Burning in the chest, especially after meals or lying down
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food or liquid
  • Chest discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending forward
  • Dry cough, hoarse voice, or sore throat in the morning
  • Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food sticking (warning sign)
  • Disturbed sleep from night-time reflux

When to see a doctor

See us if reflux is happening more than twice a week, disturbing your sleep, or not improving with over-the-counter remedies. Difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or vomiting blood are red flags that need urgent upper endoscopy to rule out narrowing, Barrett's oesophagus, or cancer.

How we help

We confirm the diagnosis with upper endoscopy when needed to check for inflammation, Barrett's oesophagus, or other complications. Treatment combines lifestyle advice (meal timing, head-of-bed elevation, weight management) with appropriately chosen acid-suppressing medication. Most patients are noticeably better within weeks.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

Acid Reflux / GERD — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about acid reflux / gerd.

Is GERD curable?
GERD is usually a chronic condition, but it's very manageable. Most patients become symptom-free with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medication, and many can reduce or stop medication over time once the food pipe heals.
Can GERD damage my food pipe?
Yes, if untreated. Chronic acid exposure can cause inflammation (oesophagitis), narrowing (strictures), or Barrett's oesophagus — a pre-cancerous change. This is why persistent reflux deserves proper evaluation rather than just over-the-counter antacids.
What lifestyle changes help GERD?
Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after meals, elevate the head of your bed by 6 inches, lose weight if overweight, avoid trigger foods (spicy, oily, citrus, caffeine, alcohol), and quit smoking. These changes alone resolve symptoms for many patients.
What's the difference between heartburn and GERD?
Heartburn is the symptom — burning in the chest. GERD is the disease — reflux happening often enough to cause symptoms or damage. Occasional heartburn isn't GERD; frequent reflux (more than twice a week, or symptoms that affect daily life) usually is.
Will surgery cure my GERD?
Anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) helps a small group of patients with severe GERD that doesn't respond to medication. For most patients, medication and lifestyle changes are enough — we discuss surgery only when medication is failing or not tolerated.
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