One of the most common digestive, or gastroenterological, conditions that people experience is GERD, more commonly known as heartburn. Many people experience acid reflux that can occur several times a week. Often the symptoms of GERD can be managed with diet and lifestyle adjustments, as well as with over-the-counter medications. However, severe cases may require treatment from a doctor. Here is everything you need to know about gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Simply put, GERD is caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus relaxes to allow food and liquid in and then closes, weakens, or relaxes abnormally. This allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. The esophagus lining is irritated by the backwash of acid, causing it to become inflamed.
Obesity, connective tissue disorders, delayed stomach emptying, and pregnancy can all increase your risk of developing GERD. Other risk factors that aggravate gastroesophageal reflux disease include smoking, eating fatty or fried foods, large or late-night meals, alcohol use, medications, and coffee consumption.
There are several typical signs and symptoms of GERD. The most common is the development of a burning sensation in your chest. This occurs most often after eating and may grow more severe at night. Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, the feeling of a lump in your throat, and the regurgitation of a sour liquid are other symptoms of GERD. Furthermore, if you suffer from acid reflux at night, you may also experience laryngitis, a chronic cough, sleep disruption, or new or worsening asthma.
Based on the frequency and severity of your GERD symptoms, there are three treatment options. The most basic and common is the use of over-the-counter medications. These types of medicines include antacids that neutralize stomach acid, H-2 receptor blockers that reduce acid production, and proton-pump inhibitors that block acid production and heal the esophagus.
If these medicines aren’t effective, prescription medications may be prescribed. These medications do the same as the OTC alternatives, just at a higher strength. You may also be prescribed a medicine to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
Lastly, surgery may be an option for severe cases that don’t respond to medication. A LINX device may be used to keep the area between the esophagus and stomach closed.
This is a ring of small magnetic beads that keeps acid from refluxing. During a fundoplication, a surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter to tighten the muscle. A transoral incisionless fundoplication, or TIF, is a newer procedure that tightens the sphincter with a partial wrap around the lower esophagus with polypropylene fasteners.
If you frequently experience GERD symptoms, especially if they are severe, you should see a gastroenterologist for a treatment plan. Also, if you are taking OTC (over-the-counter) heartburn medication more than twice a week, it is time to consult a physician.
Persistent and chronic acid reflux can create sores in the esophagus, known as esophageal ulcers. A narrowing of the esophagus, referred to as esophageal stricture, can also develop. Also, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus can occur, which is a precancerous change in the tissue lining of the lower esophagus. Patients with a history of heartburn and previously took antacids for a long period of time may need an endoscopic ultrasound to evaluate for Barrett’s esophagus.
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