GERD

Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC

Gastroenterologists located in Hamilton, OH & Middletown, OH

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, most often called GERD, is a condition that forces your stomach contents back up into the esophagus and sometimes the throat. GERD can cause serious issues with all aspects of digestion and even with general health and wellness. Dilip Bearelly, MD, and the Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC team are here to help residents of Hamilton and Monroe, Ohio, with GERD, regardless of whether it's a mild case or a serious one. To schedule a consultation, call the office, or request an appointment online today.

GERD Q & A

What is GERD?

GERD is a condition that happens when the stomach's contents move the wrong way, upward toward the throat. If you have GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that guards food passage into the stomach, doesn't do its job correctly.

The lower esophageal sphincter typically allows food to move into the stomach and stays closed if food or stomach acids try to move upward, but with GERD, it enables the food and acid to move into the esophagus and even into the back of the throat (acid reflux).

What is a hiatal hernia, and how is it related to GERD?

Although the area where the esophagus moves through the diaphragm is typically only able to accommodate the esophagus, there may sometimes be more room, and this can cause a serious problem.

When a portion of the upper stomach moves upward and into the chest cavity, you have what is known as a hiatal hernia. If you have a hiatal hernia at the same time that you have GERD, your acid reflux can cause discomfort and more severe issues like heartburn and ulcers.

Should GERD and a hiatal hernia persist without treatment, more severe issues like cancer could develop.

What causes GERD?

Your diet plays a prominent role in GERD. Certain foods such as very acidic ones like citrus fruits and tomatoes are common culprits. Alcohol is also a common contributor to GERD.

Being overweight or obese may contribute to GERD, and many pregnant women tend to develop the condition.

Some types of medication, like antibiotics, can cause esophagus irritation that also leads to GERD.

How is GERD treated?

After diagnostic tests such as an upper endoscopy, Dr. Bearelly treats GERD based on your specific symptoms and issues. Treatment often starts with nonsurgical changes (mainly through dietary modifications).

If these changes are ineffective, Dr. Bearelly can perform laparoscopic surgery to correct GERD. Recovery from laparoscopic GERD surgery is typically a smoother process, with only around a week of recovery time required.

Are you tired of dealing with pain and gastrointestinal discomfort every time you eat certain foods? Fortunately, there's help for GERD at Gastrocare of Southwest Ohio LLC. Call the office to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online today.

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