Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD), commonly known as heartburn, is a common condition affecting many individuals in different age groups.
In its mild form, simple measures can help improve the quality of life, however in its severe form, medical or consideration of surgical treatment is the safest option.
Reflux / heartburn not only compromises an individual’s quality of life but can also damage the oesophagus (food pipe), pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box). It is a leading cause of cancer of oesophagus, if left untreated.
- Complications of reflux disease:
- Simple complications of GORD:
Heartburn, bad taste in mouth, inability to sleep while lying flat at night, feeling acid or bile taste in the back of throat mostly on bending over or lying flat. - Intermediate complications:
Voice changes, sore throat, difficulty in eating, inability to eat a normal meal, difficulty in lying flat at night and pain in chest while eating or off and on during the day or night. - Severe and serious complications:
Stricture in the oesophagus, inability to swallow liquids or solids, recurrent chest infections due to aspiration pneumonias, Barrett’s Oesophagus and cancer of the oesophagus. - A silent but dangerous complication of GORD - Barrett’s Oesophagus:
Patients may have ongoing reflux without any heartburn or other significant symptoms. Ongoing reflux can change the healthy lining of oesophagus into a precancerous lining, termed as Barrett’s Oesophagus.
These complications can occur at any age. Patients with some or more of these ongoing symptoms are advised to seek medical advice.
Multidisciplinary specialist team approach:
At Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, we offer specialist clinics with multidisciplinary team approach for reflux disease management.
Our team of specialists include surgeons, gastroenterologists and dieticians who have a specialist interest in treating Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Facilities:
We offer advanced facilities for assessment and treatment with state-of-the-art equipment in endoscopy, oesophageal physiological studies and dedicated integrated hybrid operating theatres with 4K and 3D technology.