GERD Specialist in Gurugram
What is GERD?
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic digestive disorder in which stomach acid or stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus (food pipe), causing symptoms and sometimes long-term damage.
While occasional acidity is common, persistent reflux symptoms may indicate underlying dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), esophageal motility abnormalities, hiatal hernia, or disorders of the gut–brain axis.
Advanced NeuroGastroenterology and GI Motility evaluation helps identify the exact cause of reflux symptoms and guides personalized treatment.
Common Symptoms of GERD
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Regurgitation of food or sour fluid
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent throat clearing
- Chronic cough
- Voice changes
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms
- Sleep disturbance due to reflux
What is Refractory GERD?
Some patients continue to experience reflux symptoms despite acid suppressive medications such as PPIs or PCABs.
These patients may actually have:
• Non-acid reflux
• Esophageal hypersensitivity
• Functional heartburn
• Motility disorders
• Rumination syndrome
• Weakly acidic reflux
• Persistent LES dysfunction
Advanced reflux testing is often necessary in these patients.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing for GERD
- Upper GI Endoscopy: Evaluation of esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, hiatal hernia, and complications of reflux.
- 24-Hour pH Impedance Monitoring: Advanced reflux testing that detects both acid and non-acid reflux episodes.
- High Resolution Esophageal Manometry: Evaluation of swallowing function and LES pressure abnormalities.
- EndoFLIP: Assessment of esophageal distensibility and sphincter function.
- Esophageal Biopsies: Assessment for eosinophilic esophagitis and microscopic inflammation.
- Advanced Motility Evaluation: Identification of associated motility and gut–brain disorders.
Potential Complications of Untreated GERD
- Esophagitis
- Esophageal ulcers
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal strictures
- Chronic cough
- Dental erosion
- Sleep disturbance
- Aspiration-related symptoms
Treatment Options for GERD
- Lifestyle and dietary modification
- Acid suppression therapy
- PCAB-based treatment
- Esophageal motility optimization
- Neuromodulator-based therapy
- Weight reduction strategies
- Management of gut–brain interaction disorders
Advanced Endoscopic Treatments for GERD
Modern endoscopic anti-reflux therapies offer minimally invasive options for selected GERD patients who continue to have symptoms despite medications or who wish to avoid long-term dependence on acid suppressants.
These procedures aim to improve the anti-reflux barrier and reduce reflux episodes.
- ARMA (Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation)
- ARMS (Anti-Reflux Mucosectomy)
- Endoscopic anti-reflux therapies
- Hiatal hernia evaluation
- POEM-related reflux management
- Advanced therapeutic endoscopy for reflux disorders
What is ARMA (Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation)?
ARMA is an advanced endoscopic procedure in which controlled mucosal ablation is performed around the gastroesophageal junction to induce scarring and tightening of the reflux valve mechanism.
The procedure is minimally invasive and may help selected patients with refractory reflux symptoms and inappropriate acid exposure.
Careful patient selection with advanced reflux testing is essential before considering ARMA.
Why Specialized Reflux Evaluation Matters
Not all reflux symptoms are due to acid alone. Many patients labeled as “acidity” may actually have motility disorders, hypersensitivity syndromes, non-acid reflux, or functional esophageal disorders.
A specialized NeuroGastroenterology and GI Motility center offers:
• Advanced reflux testing
• Personalized diagnosis
• Physiological evaluation
• Endoscopic reflux therapies
• Long-term reflux management strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all reflux patients need lifelong medicines? No. Treatment depends on the underlying mechanism identified during evaluation.
Can reflux occur despite normal endoscopy? Yes. Many patients with reflux symptoms have non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).
Who may benefit from advanced reflux testing? Patients with persistent symptoms despite medications, atypical reflux symptoms, or pre-procedure evaluation may benefit.
Is ARMA surgery? No. ARMA is an endoscopic minimally invasive procedure performed through the mouth without external incisions.
Book Consultation for GERD & Reflux Disorders
Comprehensive evaluation available for:
• Acid reflux
• Refractory GERD
• Chronic heartburn
• Non-acid reflux
• Regurgitation
• LPR symptoms
• Functional heartburn
• Endoscopic anti-reflux therapy evaluation
