Why Your Acidity Tablets Aren't Working: Better GERD Solutions Near Mohali

 

When Heartburn Medicine Fails

If you live in Mohali or the Tricity and rely heavily on over-the-counter antacids or daily PPI tablets (like Pantoprazole or Omeprazole) but still suffer from frequent, painful heartburn, you likely have Refractory GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

This means standard medication alone is not solving the underlying problem. You need:

1. Definitive Diagnosis: Procedures like Endoscopy and pH Monitoring to understand the exact cause of the reflux.

2. Specialized Treatment: Lifestyle changes, advanced medication adjustment, or potentially therapeutic endoscopy by a specialist like Dr. Sandeep Pal.

Don't mask the pain; seek a cure near Mohali.

1. Understanding Refractory GERD: More Than Just Acid

For millions of people, a daily PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) successfully manages GERD. However, if you are still experiencing significant heartburn and chest pain despite taking your medication correctly, you have "Refractory GERD."

Why Medication Stops Working:

• Non-Acid Reflux: Sometimes the fluid refluxing back into the esophagus is not strong acid but weak acid or bile. PPIs only block acid production, making them useless against non-acid reflux.

• Delayed Gastric Emptying: If food stays in your stomach too long, the pressure builds up, forcing whatever contents are there back up the esophagus.

• Hiatal Hernia: A physical defect where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, severely weakening the anti-reflux barrier (the LES).

• Improper Use: Taking the PPI at the wrong time (it must be taken 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day to work effectively).

2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing Near Mohali

If antacids are failing, it's time to stop guessing and start testing. Dr. Sandeep Pal offers specialized procedures in the Tricity to diagnose the exact mechanism of your reflux.

A. Upper GI Endoscopy

This procedure, easily accessible to Mohali residents, allows Dr. Pal to visually check for physical damage, such as:

• Esophagitis: Inflammation or irritation of the esophagus lining.

• Barrett's Esophagus: A pre-cancerous change in the lining caused by long-term, severe reflux.

• Hiatal Hernia: A visual confirmation of this common physical cause of GERD.

B. Esophageal pH and Impedance Monitoring

This is the definitive test for Refractory GERD:

• A tiny capsule or tube is placed in the esophagus to monitor reflux events over 24 or 48 hours.

• It measures both acidic reflux (pH) and non-acidic reflux (Impedance), providing the essential data needed to tailor the right medication or treatment plan.

3. Beyond Pills: Comprehensive GERD Solutions

Based on your specialized testing, Dr. Sandeep Pal can recommend solutions that go far beyond standard acidity tablets:

Step 1: Lifestyle and Diet Modification

While seemingly simple, precise dietary changes are powerful:

• Timing: Avoid eating or lying down for 3 hours before bed.

• Triggers: Identifying and eliminating personal triggers (spicy food, excessive tea/coffee, fatty foods).

• Weight Management: Reducing abdominal weight significantly reduces pressure on the LES.

Step 2: Advanced Medical Management

If non-acid reflux is diagnosed, a combination of medications may be used, including drugs that coat the esophagus or speed up stomach emptying (prokinetics).

Step 3: Therapeutic Interventions

In severe cases where non-acid reflux is dominant or a large hernia is present, minimally invasive endoscopic or surgical options may be discussed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does the term "PPI" mean?

A: PPI stands for Proton Pump Inhibitor. These are medications (like Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, Rabeprazole) that effectively reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.

2. Can long-term use of antacids (like Gelusil) be harmful?

A: Yes. Antacids only mask symptoms. Over-reliance can delay a diagnosis of a serious condition and may cause side effects like changes in calcium absorption.

3. I live in Mohali. Where can I get pH monitoring done?

A: Dr. Sandeep Pal’s clinic in the Tricity offers advanced diagnostic procedures, including Esophageal pH and Impedance Monitoring, providing convenient access for Mohali residents.

4. Does stress cause GERD?

A: Stress does not cause GERD, but it can significantly worsen symptoms. Stress increases acid sensitivity and muscle tension, leading to more painful reflux episodes.

5. If I have non-acid reflux, what is the treatment?

A: Treatment focuses on changing the volume and composition of the refluxate (using dietary modification and sometimes prokinetics) rather than just reducing acid.

6. Is it safe to stop taking PPIs immediately?

A: No. Suddenly stopping PPIs can cause a massive rebound of acid production, leading to severe temporary heartburn. Any changes to your medication schedule must be done gradually and under a doctor's supervision.

7. What symptoms might suggest my GERD has developed into Barrett's Esophagus?

A: Barrett's typically does not cause new symptoms. It is a change found during an Endoscopy. Long-standing, severe GERD requires monitoring via endoscopy to check for this pre-cancerous condition.

Stop Masking the Pain. Find Your Cure with Dr. Sandeep Pal.

If your daily acidity tablets are only offering temporary relief, it's a sign that your GERD requires specialized investigation. Delaying a definitive diagnosis can lead to complications like strictures or Barrett's Esophagus.

For residents in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Panchkula, Dr. Sandeep Pal offers the expertise and advanced diagnostic tools (Endoscopy, pH Monitoring) needed to cure your Refractory GERD.

End the cycle of dependency on pills. Schedule your consultation today.

📞 Call Dr. Sandeep Pal's Clinic Today to find the right GERD solution for you.