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What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
What is GERD? Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and regurgitation. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve-like muscle between the esophagus and stomach, weakens or relaxes improperly, allowing acid to escape. Common symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough. Left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. It’s important for patients to recognize the signs of GERD and seek medical advice if symptoms occur more than twice a week, as early intervention can prevent serious damage to the esophagus. Managing GERD often involves lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, medications, and, in severe cases, surgical treatment.
Someone is usually diagnosed with GERD when acid reflux happens in mild cases twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux at least once a week. GERD can occur at any age, but typically begins around age 40. FIND A GASTROENTEROLOGIST NEAR YOU
What Causes GERD?
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is primarily caused by the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. Several factors can contribute to this dysfunction, leading to chronic acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. There usually is not a single cause that leads to this happening often, but you are more likely to have or develop GERD if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Hiatal Hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity, weakening the LES.
- Obesity: Excess body weight increases abdominal pressure, making reflux more likely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can relax the LES and increase acid production.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure often trigger acid reflux in pregnant women.
- Dietary Choices: Eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, as well as drinking alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated beverages, can relax the LES.
- Overeating: Consuming large meals can put pressure on the stomach and LES, causing acid to flow back up.
- Lying Down After Eating: This position makes it easier for stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus, especially when the LES is weakened.
- Certain Medications: Medications like NSAIDs, aspirin, and some blood pressure drugs may irritate the esophagus or relax the LES.
What Are The Major Symptoms Of GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can present a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain, affecting your quality of life. Understanding the common signs can help patients seek timely treatment and prevent complications from chronic acid reflux.
Major Symptoms of GERD:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often worsening after meals or when lying down.
- Regurgitation: The sensation of acid backing up into the throat or mouth, causing a sour or bitter taste.
- Chest Pain: Sharp or pressure-like pain that may mimic heart issues but is caused by acid irritation.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest, often due to inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus.
- Chronic Cough: Persistent coughing not linked to respiratory infections, often triggered by acid irritating the throat.
- Hoarseness or Sore Throat: Acid exposure can cause irritation, leading to a hoarse voice or frequent sore throats.
- Bloating and Belching: Excessive gas and burping may be related to acid reflux and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- Nausea: Recurring nausea, especially after meals, can be a sign of severe or untreated GERD.
You should make an appointment with your gastroenterologist today if you experience any of these symptoms frequently and are in pain, or if you take over the counter heartburn medication more than twice a week. FIND A GASTROENTEROLOGIST NEAR YOU
What Are The Available Treatments For GERD?
GERD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing damage to the esophagus, and improving quality of life. Depending on the severity of the condition, a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options may be recommended.
Common Treatments for GERD:
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- -Avoid trigger foods (e.g., spicy, fatty, and acidic foods).
- -Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
- -Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down.
- -Elevate the head of the bed to reduce nighttime symptoms.
- -Maintain a healthy weight to reduce abdominal pressure.
- -Quit smoking, as it weakens the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Over-the-Counter Medications:
- –Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid (e.g., Tums, Maalox, Rolaids).
- –H2 Receptor Blockers: Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
- –Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Decrease stomach acid more effectively (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole).
- Prescription Medications:
- -Higher-dose H2 blockers and PPIs for severe or persistent symptoms.
- –Prokinetics: Help strengthen the LES and speed up stomach emptying (e.g., metoclopramide).
- Surgical and Endoscopic Procedures:
- –Fundoplication: The top of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen it and prevent reflux.
- –LINX Device: A ring of magnetic beads is placed around the LES to keep it closed but allow food to pass.
- –Endoscopic Procedures: Techniques like Stretta therapy use radiofrequency energy to tighten the LES muscle.
- Dietary Changes:
- -Avoid trigger foods like chocolate, citrus, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
- -Focus on a high-fiber diet to improve digestion and reduce reflux.
- Alternative Therapies:
-Herbal remedies like ginger, chamomile, and licorice root may help alleviate mild symptoms.
- -Relaxation techniques and stress management, such as yoga or meditation, may reduce symptoms triggered by stress.
What are the best medications for GERD?
There are many pharmaceutical options for GERD; however, here are some you can discuss with your gastroenterologist:
NexIUM 24HR- An over-the-counter option that requires a daily capsule. To learn more about this prescription option, CLICK HERE
AcipHex- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and is used for the treatment of persistent, frequent (2 or more days a week) heartburn. To learn more about this prescription option, CLICK HERE
Protonix IV- Helps to resolve symptoms related to acute acid reflux. To learn more about this prescription option, CLICK HERE