Patients undergoing GERD management at Manipal Hospitals receive comprehensive care. It involves a thorough consultation where doctors assess the frequency and severity of symptoms, dietary and lifestyle factors, and current medications. Initial treatment focuses on lifestyle modifications, including weight management, avoidance of trigger foods, sleeping with the head elevated, and meal timing. Doctors often prescribe acid-suppressive medications like proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists to help reduce symptoms and heal inflammation in the oesophagus.
Patients are monitored to assess improvements in symptoms and responses to medication. In cases where symptoms persist or warning signs develop, such as dysphagia, bleeding, or weight loss, further evaluation is performed. An endoscopy is performed to look for complications such as erosive oesophagitis, strictures, or Barrett’s oesophagus. Anti-reflux surgery or endoscopic interventions may be considered in patients with severe, chronic, or refractory GERD after thorough evaluation.
Follow-up includes assessment of symptom control, optimisation of medical therapy, monitoring for complications, and reinforcement of lifestyle modifications. With appropriate management and follow-up, most patients achieve good long-term symptom control and improved quality of life.
