Dr.Elwin Buchel is a Gastroenterologist working as a consultant with Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is one the best Gastroenterologist in Abu Dhabi who holds experience of more than 51 years. He completed his MBChB followed by M. Med. He was honoured a doctorate from the University of Pretoria. He pursued his post-graduate training in various parts of the world including the USA, Paris, France, Leuven, Belgium, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Pittsburgh, Barcelona, and Spain. His achievements and awards include the Heyl Award, The Honorary Silver Medal from the University of Pretoria, Eugene Marais Branch-SA Academy of Arts and Science, and the Roussel-SAGES award. His medical interest and proficiency lie in the treatment of Gallbladder Disease, GERD, Chronic liver diseases management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease, chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, etc. Dr.Elwin Buchel has spread his medical knowledge through national and international publications and is honoured as an active guest speaker in scientific meetings.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
When stomach acid frequently flows into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach and the backwash irritates the lining of your oesophagus it results in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Acid reflux is experienced by people from time to time. GERD is mild acid reflux that probably occurs at least twice a week, it can be moderate or severe acid reflux that occurs once a week. The discomfort of GRED can be managed by some people using medication and few lifestyle changes while others need a stronger dose or surgery.
Symptoms
· A burning sensation in the chest generally after eating
· Chest pain
· A lump sensation in your throat
· Chronic cough
· Laryngitis
· New or worsening asthma
· Difficulty swallowing
· Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
· Disrupted sleep
Treatment
Before opting for any treatment, your doctor is likely to recommend you to first try lifestyle modifications and few medications. When you don't experience relief in few weeks, your doctor will then recommend prescription medication or surgery.
· Antacids that neutralize stomach acid
· Medications to reduce acid production
· Medicines that block acid production and heal the oesophagus
· Prescription-strength H-2-receptor blockers
· Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors
· Medicines that strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter
Surgery and other procedures
1. Fundoplication – To tighten the muscle and prevent reflux the surgeon will wrap the top of your stomach around the oesophageal sphincter. It is done using a minimally invasive procedure.
2. LINX device - Around the junction of the stomach and oesophagus, a ring of tiny magnetic beads is wrapped. To keep the junction closed to refluxing acid the magnetic attraction between the beads is kept strong while weak enough to allow food to pass through.
3. Transoral incision-less fundoplication - It involves tightening the lower oesophageal sphincter, by creating a partial wrap around the lower oesophagus using polypropylene fasteners. It is performed through the mouth with a device called an endoscope.
Take Away
Talk to your doctor about the likely cause of your symptoms. Your doctor will explain all the treatment options and what will best suit you. For effective treatment, you can contact Dr. Elwin Buchel working at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He is considered one of the best Gastroenterologists in the UAE.