About this topic
GERD is gastroesophageal reflux. You may hear it called reflux. Other times, people may call it GERD. Normally, food goes from the mouth through the food pipe and then into the belly. The food pipe is also called the esophagus. This illness happens when the contents of the belly leak backwards into the food pipe. This leaking can bother the food pipe. You may have heartburn, burping, bloating, and belly pain after eating. Your doctor may treat GERD in many different ways. Sometimes, doctors use drugs or suggest changes in lifestyle. Other times, doctors suggest diet changes or surgery. ‚
A hiatal hernia may cause reflux. This is when part of the stomach is up in the chest. It sticks up through the muscle that divides the chest and abdomen. Stomach acid goes up into the esophagus and causes GERD. ‚
Fundoplication is a procedure done to prevent GERD. The doctor wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the food pipe. ‚
This procedure is most often done to: ‚
- Get rid of GERD signs that are not treated by drugs
- Treat acid reflux that may trigger asthma signs
- Fix a hiatal hernia
- Lower the risk of long-term problems like cancer of the food pipe
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may have some tightness in your throat when you will swallow. This may last for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Tell your doctor if the tightness lasts longer, or it becomes harder to swallow.
- Ask your doctor about:
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Talk to your doctor about what foods are good for you to eat. You will start on a liquid diet and slowly add soft foods if your doctor tells you. Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal diet.
- Chew your food well and eat a few small meals during the day.
- Do not drink carbonated liquids or drink through straws.
- Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime to prevent acid backup in the food pipe. Sleep with your head and shoulders propped on pillows.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Lessen stomach acid
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity for a few days. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Take short walks around the house when you get home. Do not sit for too long in one spot. Walking around helps to prevent blood clots after surgery.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Trouble swallowing
- Reflux signs come back
- Limited ability to burp or throw up
- Gas pains
- Injury to organs
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal.
- Shortness of breath or cough
- Chest pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Upset stomach and throwing up that cannot be controlled by drugs
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain or trouble swallowing.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/index.aspx#5 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚