US Patient with Long-Standing GERD Successfully Treated with Homeopathy

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, burping, nausea, and chest discomfort.

GERD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal conditions globally, particularly in Western countries like the United States, where lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, sedentary habits, and overuse of antacids contribute to its rise. 

Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to managing GERD by focusing on the root cause and the person’s overall constitution, aiming for long-term relief without dependency on conventional drugs.

CASE STUDY:

A 41-year-old patient (Patient ID: 55377) consulted at Life Force Homeopathy on 22nd August 2024 with complaints of GERD.

His symptoms had been chronic for 5 years and had progressively worsened over the last 6 months. His main complaints included severe burping episodes after consuming spicy food, which could last for a few hours, along with nausea, heartburn, and 1–2 episodes of vomiting. The patient had been on antacids for a long time.

Upon initial consultation, a comprehensive case history was taken, focusing on both physical and mental states.

Physical Makeup:

The patient followed a vegetarian diet; his appetite was average.

No specific cravings were noted. There were no urinary complaints.

Bowel movements and sleep were satisfactory.

Family History and Background:

The patient and his wife were working in an MNC in the US.

He lived with his wife and two children. His father had a history of diabetes, hemorrhoids, and hypertension. His mother had a history of an anal fissure, and his brother suffered from psoriasis.

Past History:

The patient had undergone surgery for a hiatal hernia.

Mental State:

Patient is very Mild and quiet as a person. Very Polite during case taking. His wife expressed that he is usually very shy.  Patient Resides in the US.

Very anxious and constantly worried about his health.

He was prescribed Lycopodium homeopathic treatment by Dr. Shah for his GERD complaints.

Follow-ups:

18th October 2024 – First Follow-Up:

The patient reported significant overall improvement (around 50%).

There were no episodes of burping, nausea had reduced, and there were no complaints of heartburn.

He had completely stopped taking omeprazole and was not on any allopathic medication.

21st January 2025: Second Follow-up

The patient showed further improvement. Burping and heartburn were completely absent, and he felt fully better.

He remained off all allopathic medications and reported no dependency on any drugs.

There were no episodes of GERD in the previous months.

20th March 2025: Third Follow-up

The patient continued to show consistent improvement.

There were no episodes of burping or burning. Heartburn was significantly reduced, and he remained off all medications.

The severity, frequency, and duration of episodes remained minimal and under control.

17th May 2025: Fourth Follow-up 

Overall, a 75–80% improvement was seen.

Burping was occasionally present but mild in nature.

There were no episodes of burning or heartburn. He continued to remain medication-free.

Although minor symptoms appeared occasionally, the intensity and frequency remained significantly lower than before.

Nausea was rarely present but not concerning.

The patient expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Shah and the entire Life Force team for his effective treatment for GERD.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the successful management of chronic GERD through individualized homeopathic treatment. The patient experienced significant and sustained improvement, with a substantial reduction in symptoms such as burping, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. He was able to discontinue all allopathic medications within two months of starting treatment. This case demonstrates the potential of homeopathy as a safe and effective alternative for managing chronic GERD without drug dependency.

• Case study written by Dr. Shweta R., Associate Doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom).