GERD & GASTRO-DUODENAL ULCER DISEASE

FAQS

What are the common symptoms of GERD?

• Burning sensation in chest (heartburn)

• Sour or bitter taste in mouth

• Food coming back up

• Difficulty swallowing

• Chronic cough

• Hoarse voice

• Symptoms worse after heavy meals or lying down

3. What foods should be avoided in GERD?

• Spicy food

• Fried and oily food

• Chocolate

• Coffee / excess tea

• Alcohol

• Soft drinks / soda

• Very large meals

• Excess citrus fruits

4. What foods are safer or helpful in GERD?

• Banana

• Oats

• Rice and dal

• Boiled vegetables

• Yogurt (if tolerated)

• Coconut water

• Lean meat / fish

• Non-spicy home food

5. What lifestyle changes help GERD?

• Eat small frequent meals

• Do not lie down for 2–3 hours after eating

• Raise the head end of the bed

• Lose weight if overweight

• Stop smoking and alcohol

• Avoid tight belts or tight clothes

• Regular walking or exercise

• Reduce stress

6. When is surgery needed for GERD?

Surgery is considered when:

• Medicines do not work

• Daily severe reflux

• Complications like ulcers, bleeding, narrowing

• Large hiatal hernia

• Young patient needing lifelong medicines

7. What surgery is done for GERD?

Fundoplication Surgery

• Upper part of stomach is wrapped around the food pipe

• Strengthens the weak valve

• Usually done by laparoscopy (small cuts)

• Good long-term relief in selected patients

PART 2 – GASTRO-DUODENAL ULCER DISEASE

8. What is a gastro-duodenal ulcer?

It is a sore or wound in the stomach or first part of intestine (duodenum) caused by acid damage.

9. What causes ulcers?

• H. pylori bacteria infection

• Frequent painkiller use

• Smoking

• Alcohol

• Stress

• Irregular meals

• Excess acid production

10. What are the symptoms of ulcer disease?

• Burning or gnawing stomach pain

• Pain when hungry or at night

• Bloating

• Nausea or vomiting

• Black stools (bleeding)

• Weakness or anemia

11. What foods should be avoided in ulcer disease?

• Very spicy food

• Junk food

• Excess tea / coffee

• Alcohol

• Smoking

• Long fasting

• Very oily food

12. What foods are better for ulcer patients?

• Soft, bland diet

• Rice / khichdi

• Boiled vegetables

• Banana and apple

• Milk in moderation

• Plenty of water

• Home-cooked simple food

13. What lifestyle habits help ulcers heal?

• Eat on time

• Avoid long gaps between meals

• Stop smoking

• Avoid alcohol

• Do not overuse painkillers

• Manage stress

• Adequate sleep

14. Is medicine enough for ulcers?

Yes, in most cases.
Treatment usually includes:

• Acid-reducing tablets

• Antibiotics for H. pylori

• Antacids

Most ulcers heal completely with medicines.

15. When is surgery needed for ulcer disease?

Surgery is needed only if there are complications, such as:

• Severe bleeding

• Perforation (hole in stomach/intestine)

• Obstruction (food not passing)

• Repeated non-healing ulcers

• Suspicion of cancer

16. What types of surgery are done for ulcers?

• Repairing the perforation

• Removing ulcer-affected area

• Vagotomy (reducing acid production)

• Bypass surgery in obstruction

 Final Message

• GERD is mainly controlled by diet + lifestyle + medicines.
  Surgery is only for severe or resistant cases.

• Ulcer disease usually heals with medicines and good food habits.
  Surgery is rare and only for complications.

Healthy eating, regular meals, stopping smoking and alcohol, and stress control can prevent most of these problems and reduce the need for surgery.