Caring GI & Bariatric Surgeon in Brisbane

We Treat Reflux, Heartburn & Hiatal Hernia in Brisbane

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What Is Reflux & Heartburn?

Reflux (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease – GORD) is a very common condition, affecting 15-20% of the Australian population. It is variably referred to as heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux. It is usually mild, intermittent and caused by lifestyle factors (overeating, smoking, excess alcohol, being overweight). It usually responds to medicines (proton pump inhibitors, ‘PPIs’) which decrease the amount of stomach acid produced. If symptoms are severe, affecting your sleep and quality of life, laparoscopic fundoplication becomes a very good treatment option. This involves repairing any associated hiatus hernia and reinforcing the natural antireflux valve.

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A Woman is Sitting on a Bed With Her Hands on Her Stomach — Brisbane Upper GI Surgery in Chermside, QLD
A Woman is Holding Her Stomach in Pain — Brisbane Upper GI Surgery in Chermside, QLD

Causes Of Reflux & Heartburn

Reflux is caused by dysfunction of the natural barriers to reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus (food swallowing pipe). In the healthy state, stomach acid production increases after food, but the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle (valve) between the oesophagus and stomach prevents acid from refluxing back up into the oesophagus. This balance can be affected by the following:


  • Hiatus Hernia: The junction between the oesophagus and stomach, containing the sphincter valve, slips up into the chest, reducing the valve’s function.
  • Oesophageal Dysmotility: Dysfunction of the food pipe’s ability to contract and push food and refluxed acid back into the stomach.
  • Overweight & Obesity: Being overweight increases the pressure in your abdominal cavity. This makes reflux of stomach acid more common, but also makes it harder for your food pipe to push food and acid back down into the stomach. Furthermore, hiatus hernias become much more common when people are overweight.
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Symptoms Of Reflux & Heartburn

Reflux symptoms are generally divided as follows:


Typical


  • Heartburn: Burning behind the breastbone.
  • Regurgitation: Stomach contents flushing back up into the food pipe or throat.
  • Dysphagia: Swallowing difficulty, due to inflammation and dysfunction of the food pipe.


Atypical


  • Chest pain.
  • Ear pain.
  • Throat pain / laryngitis.
  • Voice hoarseness.
  • Sinus problems.
  • Chest infections, pneumonia, asthma, lung damage.
  • Throat clearing: a constant need to clear your throat and swallow.
  • Dry, sore throat.
  • Tooth damage.
  • Burning or metallic taste in the mouth; bad breath.
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A Man is Sitting on a Couch Holding His Stomach in Pain — Brisbane Upper GI Surgery in Chermside, QLD
A Doctor is Sitting at a Desk Talking to a Patient — Brisbane Upper GI Surgery in Chermside, QLD

Reflux & Heartburn Tests

All patients with severe reflux should have an upper endoscopy to assess for hiatus hernia and Barrett’s oesophagus. This is a simple, 5-minute day procedure performed under sedation. It requires you to be fasted for 6 hours prior, and to have someone to go home with you afterwards.


Depending on these results and your symptoms, more detailed testing may be necessary:


  • Oesophageal pH Studies (acid testing) & Manometry (Pressure Testing): These clarify more accurately whether or not reflux disease or food pipe dysfunction are causing your symptoms.
  • Barium Swallow: Dye swallowing test done in an Xray department.
  • Nuclear Medicine Study: Used when looking for laryngopulmonary reflux (LPR), when other tests have been normal.
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Diagnosis Of Reflux & Heartburn

Diagnosis of being overweight is by calculating your BMI (see link below). The decision by Dr Ben Dodd to recommend surgery is based on your BMI and your weight related comorbidites (medical problems), along with your fitness for general anaesthesia.


Related Information

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A Doctor is Talking to a Patient Who is Sitting in a Chair — Brisbane Upper GI Surgery in Chermside, QLD
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