Reflux disease (GERD)
When heartburn becomes a problem
Symptoms
When should you see a doctor?
The symptoms of GERD can manifest themselves in different ways. The most common symptoms include
- Heartburn – burning sensation behind the breastbone, especially after eating or when lying down
- Acid regurgitation – reflux of stomach acid into the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing – feeling of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing
- Chronic irritating cough – irritation of the airways due to rising acid
- Hoarseness & sore throat – especially in the morning or after speaking for a long time
If these symptoms occur regularly or get worse, you should consider seeking medical advice.
Causes & risk factors
Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not work properly and stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can have various causes:
Unhealthy diet
Fatty, spicy or acidic foods, coffee, alcohol
Overweight
Increased pressure on the stomach promotes reflux
Smoking & Alcohol
Influence the function of the sphincter muscle
Stress & unfavorable eating habits
Meals that are too big or too late
Hiatal hernia (diaphragmatic hernia)
Displacement of the stomach into the chest cavity
Diagnostics
How do we diagnose GERD?
Gastroscopy
pH-metry & manometry Impedance measurement
Measurement of acid reflux and esophageal muscle activity
Imaging procedures
BRAVO™ Reflux
Acid measurement of the esophagus with the BRAVO capsule.
Only in the private medical practice at Wittenbergplatz
Treatment options
Focus on your health
Drug therapy
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) – Reduce stomach acid production
- H2 blockers – Reduce the release of acid in the stomach
- Antacids – Neutralize excess stomach acid
- Anti-reflux preparations containing alginate – Prevents reflux of stomach acid after eating
Nutrition & lifestyle optimization
- Avoid acidic or hard-to-digest foods
- Smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions
- Sleeping with the upper body slightly elevated and the lying surface inclined towards the feet to avoid nocturnal reflux
Surgical interventions
- Endoscopic therapies to strengthen the esophageal sphincter
- Fundoplication (laparoscopic procedure) – surgical reinforcement of the gastric sphincter in severe cases
Our therapy center and cooperation partners
Your advantages with us
- The specialized care provided by Brunk Gastroenterology offers you:
- Gentle diagnostics with Bravo™ calibration-free reflux test system BravoTM capsule (ICON) and Digitrapper™ pH-Z test system
- State-of-the-art methods for the precise diagnosis of GERD.
- Individual therapy plans (ICON)
- Customized treatment plans based on your needs.
- Close-knit support (ICON)
- Regular checks and adjustments to your therapy for optimum symptom control.
Cooperation with renowned clinics
Our practice works closely with leading clinics in Berlin to provide you with comprehensive and specialized care:
- Elisabeth Herzberge Hospital
- DRK Hospital Köpenick
- Vivantes Hospital in Friedrichshain
- Vivantes Hospital Kaulsdorf
- Charité Berlin
Thanks to these collaborations, we can offer you seamless care that includes both outpatient and inpatient treatment options.
With individually tailored therapy, most patients can get their symptoms under control. Early treatment is important to avoid consequential damage such as esophagitis or the development of Barrett’s esophagus.
GERD and Barrett’s esophagus
The differences
Although both diseases belong to the group of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, they differ in several respects:
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Caused by the reflux of stomach acid or non-acidic stomach contents into the esophagus
- Leads to heartburn, acid regurgitation and irritation of the mucous membranes
- In the long term, prolonged exposure to acid can damage the esophagus
Barrett's esophagus
- Develops with long-term, untreated reflux
- The mucous membrane of the esophagus changes and resembles the mucous membrane of the stomach
- Increases the risk of precancerous lesions (Barrett’s carcinoma)
Early treatment of GERD is crucial to prevent the development of Barrett’s esophagus.