Specialist in General Surgery
Condition
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by stomach juices or food and fluids frequently flow back up from the stomach into the oesophagus. This phenomenon is also known as acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux.
A patient is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if they experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week.
“This reflux irritates the lining of your oesophagus and is known as GERD. You may feel some discomfort, tightness or a burning sensation in your heart and chest, which is called heartburn. If left untreated, it may lead to serious complications.”
Between the oesophagus and the stomach is a muscle valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). Its role is to open when you swallow and close afterwards to keep stomach acid where it belongs.
GERD develops when the LES becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid to flow back into the oesophagus. Over time, repeated exposure to acid irritates the oesophageal lining and causes symptoms.
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GERD is diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic tests when needed.
Your doctor may recommend:
Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) to examine the oesophagus and stomach
Biopsy if abnormal tissue is seen
Imaging tests such as an upper GI series, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan in selected cases
Gastroscopy allows direct visual assessment and helps rule out complications such as inflammation, narrowing, or cancer.
Several medical and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of GERD.
Medical risk factors include:
Being overweight or obese
Hiatal hernia
Pregnancy
Connective tissue disorders
Lifestyle factors that may worsen GERD:
Smoking
Eating large meals
Eating close to bedtime
Fatty or fried foods
Coffee, tea, and alcohol
Certain medications such as NSAIDs
Addressing these factors early can significantly reduce symptoms.
Common symptoms of GERD include:
If you experience these symptoms more than twice a week, you may be advised to seek medical advice immediately.
Many patients can reduce GERD symptoms with simple lifestyle changes:
Avoid lying down within 3 hours after meals
Maintain a healthy weight
Stop smoking
Limit alcohol, coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
Elevate the head of the bed if symptoms occur at night
Avoid tight-fitting clothing around the abdomen
These measures help reduce acid exposure and protect the oesophagus.
For most people, GERD can be treated without severe complications. However, it can lead to serious health problems that affect the quality of life and potentially life-threatening conditions if left untreated.
Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus)
Oesophageal strictures (narrowing)
Barrett’s oesophagus (precancerous changes)
Chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, or aspiration
Dental erosion and gum disease
Early treatment reduces the risk of these complications.
Besides making changes to your lifestyle and eating habits, GERD can be treated through medications
Based on the severity of one’s condition, our doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter medications, like:
If medications fail to effectively treat the condition, surgery may be recommended by our doctor.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication is the most commonly performed surgery for GERD.
During this minimally invasive procedure:
The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus
This strengthens the lower oesophageal sphincter
Acid reflux is reduced or eliminated
The laparoscopic approach uses small incisions, resulting in:
Less pain
Faster recovery
Minimal scarring
High long-term success rates
Surgery may be considered if:
Symptoms are severe or long-standing
Medications are ineffective or poorly tolerated
Complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus are present
Long-term medication use is undesirable
Anti-reflux surgery treats the underlying mechanical cause of GERD, rather than only controlling symptoms. Many patients experience lasting relief and improved quality of life.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, GERD can be effectively controlled. Most patients achieve good symptom relief and avoid complications.
If you experience persistent reflux symptoms, seeking medical advice early allows timely treatment and long-term protection of your oesophagus.
At G&L Surgical Clinic, care is guided by experience, precision, and compassion — helping patients return to comfortable, confident daily living.
Dr. Ganesh is a highly experienced surgeon with more than a decade of experience in performing Nissen fundoplication to help patients suffering from GERD and severe acid reflux. At G&L Surgical, he and his team prioritise patient recovery and well-being, providing personalised care every step of the way. If you have any questions about treatment options, we are here to help.
Is coffee bad for GERD?
Patients with GERD may experience a worsening of symptoms after taking coffee due to its high acidity and caffeine content. If you wish to still drink coffee, consider decaffeinated coffee instead and take your coffee with meals instead of on an empty stomach.
Can GERD go away naturally?
Mild cases of GERD can improve on its own with lifestyle changes. Losing weight, reducing smoking, caffeine and alcohol can manage GERD symptoms. However, more severe cases of GERD will require surgical treatment.
What foods cause GERD?
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate can trigger GERD symptoms.
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our GERD treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on GERD treatments in Singapore.
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