Skip to content
Conditions

Bariatric surgery · Obesity and metabolism

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Understand acid reflux, aggravating factors and signs that need further tests.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease involves repeated flow of stomach contents into the oesophagus, which may irritate its lining.

Possible symptoms

Heartburn, sour taste, regurgitation, belching, cough, hoarseness, nausea or swallowing discomfort may occur.

Causes and associated factors

Lower sphincter relaxation, hiatus hernia, certain foods, smoking, pregnancy, medicines or excess weight can promote episodes.

Diagnosis

Symptoms often guide diagnosis after checking for alarm features and other possible causes.

Tests

Endoscopy, acid monitoring or manometry are reserved for persistent, unusual or complicated symptoms and selected preoperative assessments.

Course of the condition

Reflux may be intermittent or chronic and can sometimes cause inflammation, narrowing or lining changes in the oesophagus.

Care options

Meal adjustments, leaving time before bed, weight loss when useful and acid-reducing medicines are common; a procedure is discussed in selected cases.

When to consult

Seek advice if symptoms are frequent, continue despite treatment or occur with difficult swallowing, vomiting or weight loss.

Urgent help

New or persistent chest pain, especially with sweating, faintness or breathlessness, should be treated as a possible cardiac emergency.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which factors explain my situation?
  • Which tests and measurements should be monitored?
  • Which medical, nutritional or behavioural options can we try?
  • When would bariatric surgery be discussed?
  • Which signs require urgent assessment?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

Our articles

Discover all Elysium Editions →

Sources