ACID REFLUX DISEASE
Naturally, our stomachs produce acid to help digest the food we eat. However, sometimes this acid flows back into the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, called the oesophagus. When this happens frequently and persistently, it is called gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD). It causes irritations and muscle spasms in the throat due to the mucosal acid burn. Acid reflux normally occurs when you are asleep when the valve between your stomach and oesophagus is relaxed.
The most common gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms include heartburn, chronic sore throat, and a feeling that something is caught in your throat. A small amount of acid reflux is normal because the oesophagus can handle acid exposure better than the throat. Left untreated, acid reflux can lead to serious damage to the tissues of the throat, upper airway and the lungs.
If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, frequent chest pains after eating, trouble swallowing and persistent nausea, seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. As an otolaryngologist, Dr. Martin Vanlierde has extensive experience in diagnosing acid reflux disease and is a specialist in treating it as well as its complications. These complications include sinus and ear infections, throat and laryngeal inflammation, Barrett's oesophagus, and oesophagus ulcerations.
Treatment of acid reflux disease
Most patients with acid reflux disease respond to a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes as well as medication. Surgical intervention is occasionally recommended. Lifestyle and dietary changes include losing weight, quit smoking, eating your last meal 3 hours before going to bed and eating less spicy and high-fat foods.
Surgical treatment includes fundoplication. This is a surgical procedure where a portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower portion of the oesophagus, called the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). It is done to tighten the LES in order to reduce acid reflux.
Most surgical procedures are covered under medical aid, be it full schemes or hospital schemes only. Prior to embarking on any surgery, the patient will be supplied with a comprehensive quote of what the practice charges and assistance will be given to see what is covered by your medical aid.
Recovery
Recovery After the fundoplication procedure, you may be discharged from the hospital after 2 days. You will be given instructions on how to take care of your surgical wounds, including changing your dressing and washing the wound/s.