Suggest Treatment For GERD And Acid Reflux

Posted on Wed, 22 Feb 2017

Question: Hi i have gerd and have been suffering from acod reflux for the past 7months now. I wanted to ask a couple of questions to better understand it.

1. Why is it that i get acid reflux when i dont eat for a while? I find it that my reflux actually gets better when i eat. And will i be like this forever or does this get better/cured?

2. Where my esophagus meets my stomach it has been hurting lately. This came up after having really bad acid attacks. What can this be?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
When you eat, the acid gets utilized for digestion and nothing left to reflux in to the esophagus.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

The answer to your questions-

1. When you eat, the acid gets utilized for digestion and nothing left to reflux in to the esophagus. This is one of the reasons why multiple smaller frequent meals are advised for individuals with GERD. You can control the symptoms and prevent recurrence with medications and lifestyle and dietary changes

2. Probably you have developed esophagitis (Inflamed lining). EGD may be done to confirm it.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ratnakar Kini (11 hours later)

Will i have to always be on PPIs to control my reflux though?

Answered by Dr. Ratnakar Kini (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No.
You may have to take PPI for about 4-8 weeks and follow lifestyle and dietary changes.
But in a small percentage of patients, a low dose maintenance therapy may be needed to keep the symptoms under control.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar