Tiếng Việt
Dr. Nguyen Thi Cam Tu, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hanoi French Hospital, explains:
“Many patients tend to self-medicate when reflux symptoms become severe. This approach only provides temporary relief, while mucosal damage such as inflammation, ulcers, strictures or Barrett’s esophagus may continue to progress silently.
Effective GERD treatment must ensure healing of the esophageal mucosa, stabilization of the lower esophageal sphincter function, and control of factors that increase gastric pressure.”
At Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), treatment pathways are established based on disease severity stratification.
For newly developed cases with mild symptoms and no warning signs, the initial approach focuses on clinical symptom assessment using validated questionnaires such as FSSG and GerdQ. Treatment may include medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), mucosal protective agents, and acid-neutralizing medications, combined with lifestyle modification. If the patient responds well, maintaining healthy habits with periodic medical follow-up is usually sufficient.
Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is indicated in the following situations:
- Persistent reflux symptoms that do not respond to prior treatment
- Alarm symptoms such as dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting blood
- Before deciding on endoscopic or surgical anti-reflux interventions
NBI endoscopic technology allows physicians to observe even subtle mucosal changes in the esophagus and stomach. This enables accurate evaluation of disease severity and early detection of complications such as esophageal ulcers, strictures, and Barrett’s esophagus.
Hanoi French Hospital is a trusted destination for screening and treating gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases, offering:
- Internationally trained gastroenterology and hepatology specialists who accompany patients throughout the treatment process
- Advanced medical equipment (Olympus EVIS EXERA III CV-190 HQ endoscopy system with magnification endoscopy, NBI imaging, PAS and HE biopsy staining; MRI with full 1.5 Tesla system; laboratory tests updated according to WHO recommendations)
- Endoscopic and treatment protocols following the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) and the Vietnam Association of Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy units designed to meet the highest standards of infection control
- A dedicated monitoring area ensuring maximum safety and comfort for patients before, during and after endoscopy
For consultation or to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterology specialists, please contact our HOTLINE: +84 24 3577 1100 or message the Hanoi French Hospital Fanpage or Zalo OA: zalo.me/2008009049335817955.
