Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that focuses on the digestive tract, as well as the gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disorders. Dr. KNK Shetty is one of the best Gastroenterologist in India with a vast experience of nearly 44 years.
He is currentely practicing at the Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is one of the most reliable and superspeciality hospital of India. Patients across the globe reach out to Dr. KNK Shetty to avail the treatment.
He organized the first Therapeutic Endoscopy workshop at Manipal Hospital and the first Endoscopy Ultrasound Workshop in Karnataka. He also organized the first TIPSS procedure in Karnataka. He completed his MBBS from Karnataka University in 1974, MRCP in 1982, and fellowship in Gastroenterology in 1984. Dr. Shetty also has several national and international publications to his credit.He is also a member of the Karnataka Medical Council.
He started and Setup the Department of Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital in the year 1991. Head of the Department for 20 years from 1991 to 2011.Organized the first Therapeutic Endoscopy Workshop at Manipal Hospital. He organized the first Endoscopy Ultrasound Workshop in Karnataka. He successfully organized first TIPSS procedure in Karnataka. He published his research in various National & International Journals. He was Invited as a faculty at various conferences.
His specialisation lies in the field of Peptic Ulcer Treatment, GERD, Colonoscopy, Gastritis and many more. He is one of the most successful doctor and gastroenterologist in India.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A digestive disorder in which stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the food pipe. This is a persistent condition caused by stomach acid or bile flowing into the food pipe and irritating the lining. If you have acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD.
Symptoms include a searing sensation in the chest that increases when lying down and generally comes after eating. The relief provided by dietary modifications and over-the-counter medications is typically very brief. A more potent medicine may be necessary.
Treatment
Your doctor would most likely advise you to start with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medicines. If you don't feel better after a few weeks, your doctor may suggest prescription medicine or surgery.
- Antacids that neutralise stomach acid are one possibility. Antacids like Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums may give immediate relief. However, antacids alone will not cure an irritated oesophagus caused by stomach acid. Overuse of some antacids might result in adverse effects such as diarrhoea or, in rare cases, renal issues.
- Medications for lowering acid production. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine are examples of H-2-receptor blockers (Axid AR). H-2-receptor blockers do not work as rapidly as antacids, but they give prolonged comfort and may reduce stomach acid production for up to 12 hours. Prescriptions are required for stronger versions.
- Medications that inhibit acid production while also healing the oesophagus. These medicines, known as proton pump inhibitors, are more potent acid blockers than H-2-receptor blockers and give the oesophagal tissue time to recover. Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR) and omeprazole are two over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors.
Surgery and other medical procedures
GERD is typically treatable with medication. However, if medicines do not assist or you prefer to avoid long-term pharmaceutical use, your doctor may advise you to:
- Fundoplication. To tighten the muscle and prevent reflux, the surgeon wraps the top of your stomach over the lower oesophagal sphincter. Typically, fundoplication is performed as a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. The upper section of the stomach might be wrapped partially or completely.
- LINX devise. A ring of small magnetic beads is placed around the stomach-esophagus junction. The magnetic attraction between the beads is strong enough to keep the junction closed against acid reflux, but weak enough to enable food to flow through. The LINX device is implantable through minimally invasive surgery.
- Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). The lower esophageal sphincter is tightened using polypropylene fasteners to create a partial wrap around the lower oesophagus. TIF is done through the mouth using an endoscope and does not need a surgical incision. Its benefits include a fast recovery time and a high tolerance.
TIF is not a possibility if you have a big hiatal hernia. However, if TIF is coupled with laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair, it may be achievable.
Natural medications and lifestyles
- Changes in lifestyle may help lessen the frequency of acid reflux. Try to keep a healthy weight. Excess weight puts strain on your abdomen, pulling your stomach up and causing acid to reflux into your oesophagus.
- Quit smoking. Smoking impairs the capacity of the lower oesophagal sphincter to function correctly.
- Raise the head of your bed. If you frequently have heartburn while sleeping, lay wood or cement blocks beneath the foot of your bed to raise the head end by 6 to 9 inches. If you are unable to raise your bed, you can elevate your body from the waist up by inserting a wedge between your mattress and box spring. Using extra pillows to elevate your head is ineffective.
- After a meal, do not lie down. After eating, wait at least three hours before lying down or going to bed.
- Consume meals slowly and completely. After each mouthful, set your fork down and take it up again once you've eaten and swallowed that bite.
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