In the great majority of cases, people experience no significant discomfort, and no treatment is required. People with symptoms should elevate the head of their beds and avoid lying down directly after meals. If the condition has been brought on by stress, stress reduction techniques may be prescribed, or if overweight, weight loss may be indicated. Medications Antisecretory drugs like proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers can be used to reduce acid secretion. Medications that reduce the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure should be avoided. Procedures There is tentative evidence from non controlled trials that oral neuromuscular training may improve symptoms. Surgery However, in some unusual instances, as when the<unk>  is unusually large, or is of the paraesophageal type, it may cause esophageal stricture or severe discomfort. About 5% of<unk> s are paraesophageal. If symptoms from such a<unk>  are severe for example if chronic acid reflux threatens to severely injure the esophagus or is causing Barrett's esophagus, surgery is sometimes recommended. However surgery has its own risks including death and disability, so that even for large or paraesophageal<unk> s, watchful waiting may on balance be safer and cause fewer problems than surgery. Complications from surgical procedures to correct a<unk>  may include gas bloat syndrome, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), dumping syndrome, excessive scarring, and rarely, achalasia. Surgical procedures sometimes fail over time, requiring a second surgery to make repairs. One surgical procedure used is called Nissen fundoplication. In fundoplication, the gastric fundus (upper part) of the stomach is wrapped, or plicated, around the inferior part of the esophagus, preventing<unk> tion of the stomach through the hiatus in the diaphragm and the reflux of gastric acid. The procedure is now commonly performed laparoscopically. With proper patient selection, laparoscopic fundoplication recent studies have indicated relatively low complication rates, quick recovery, and relatively good long term results. In which regards the discussion of partial versus complete fundoplication procedures, significant variations in the postoperative outcome emphasizes the increased prevalence of dysphagia after Nissen. The statistics given support the superiority of laparoscopic surgery over traditional surgery, owing to the greater aesthetic result, shorter admission time – with lower expenses – and faster social reintegration.
Hiatal hernia
Epigastric hernia
Meatal stenosis
Esophageal atresia
Pyloric stenosis
Esophageal achalasia
Atresia
Laryngocele