GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

An estimated 17 million people in the US experience heartburn of other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For occasional heartburn or typical indigestion following a heavy meal, an over- the -counter medication such as Tums, is often enough to bring relief. Heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux occurring more than twice a week is more likely to be GERD and needs to be evaluated by a doctor and treated.

GERD is a chronic disease in which stomach acid or bile flows back into your esophagus. This acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes the burning sensation. Left untreated, the constant irritation can lead to serious complications.

Constant exposure to the acid can cause scar tissue to build up within the esophagus narrowing severe enough to make swallowing difficult. Other changes in the esophageal lining include open sores or ulcers that can bleed, become infected and make swallowing painful. Extreme changes can even lead to a precancerous condition called, Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

• Heartburn or burning sensation in your throat or chest

• Sour taste in your mouth

• Chest pain may be brief or last several minutes or hours

• Chronic dry cough

• Sore throat with trouble speaking normally

• Burping food or sour liquid ( acid reflux)

• Feeling as though you have a lump in your throat

These symptoms can also occur with other conditions including heart disease.

Always seek medical treatment for chest pain. Each year some people die of a heart attack after complaining to family or friends that they have indigestion. At the first sign of chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or pain in the arm or jaw call 911 for assistance.

GERD occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that opens to allow food into the stomach fails to close properly and allows stomach acid and bile to flow back up into the esophagus. The corrosiveness of the acid damages the lining of the esophagus and causes irritation, heartburn, and pain.

Conditions That Increase Risk of GERD

Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include ongoing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, pregnancy and smoking. Some medications also increase your risk of GERD. If you experience heartburn and acid reflux after beginning a new medication, tell your doctor about your symptoms. There may be another medication you can change to that will not cause the indigestion that could lead to GERD.

Treatment Options

Over-the counter medications and lifestyle changes such as losing weight, changing your diet, or not smoking is usually the first option in treating chronic heartburn and indigestion. If symptoms continue or worsen, you doctor may prescribe other medications or even in extreme cases, recommend surgery.

Medications will not relieve symptoms immediately. A few people will notice an improvement in the frequency or intensity of their heartburn after a few days; however, typically it will take two to three weeks before marked improvement is noted.

Other steps you can take to reduce the frequency of heartburn include avoiding foods that trigger heartburn. Often overly spicy or fatty foods are triggers for heartburn or indigestion but you may have others such as chocolate, alcohol, or caffeine.

Wait two-three hours after a meal before lying down. If night-time indigestion is a problem, use blocks to elevate the head of your bed six to nine inches and gravity will help prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus while you sleep.

Some people may find stress reduction, acupuncture, or relaxation exercises may help.

Always speak with your doctor about treatment options that are best for you. Never begin any alternative treatment or supplements without consulting with your doctor as some herbal supplements or treatments may interfere with the medications you are already taking or even cause your condition to become worst.

References:

GERD. (n.d.) Mayo Clinic -online. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967