GERD/Acid Reflux
Most people experience acid reflux from time to time. Occasional reflux can be treated with over-the-counter antacid medications and changes in diet or eating habits.
Repeated bouts of acid reflux are referred to as GERD.
GERD is caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. This can happen due to a weakened esophageal sphincter. The sphincter is a circular band of muscle that relaxes to let food flow from the esophagus to the stomach. It is then supposed to close again so the stomach contents are unable to flow the other way. Obviously, with reflux, the weakened sphincter does not close properly so the stomach acids and food can re-enter the esophagus.
People who have GERD experience symptoms which include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat, chest/abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing (called dysphagia), and a sensation of having a lump in the throat.
GERD can be worse when laying down, causing additional symptoms such as an ongoing cough, inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis), and new or worsening asthma.
When investigating the cause of a patient’s GERD physicians often find a hiatal hernia.
Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal hernias occur when the upper portion of the stomach pushes through the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. This muscle is called the diaphragm, and it contains an opening where the esophagus connects to the stomach. The opening (called the hiatus) allows the stomach to push up into the chest. The symptoms can include heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation of food, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment for these symptoms include medicines to relieve heartburn. However, for those that continue to have symptoms or that have other complications, such as inflammation, narrowing of the esophagus, or Barrett’s, surgery is an option.
Most surgeries are done laparoscopically with little to no time in the hospital. There are several ways that a hiatal hernia is repaired. You and your physician can discuss which procedure is best for you.