GERD is a severe, chronic acid reflux condition in which acidic stomach contents back up into your esophagus. The muscle connecting the stomach to the esophagus is weak or relaxes abnormally, allowing this abnormal movement. Although this condition is rarely life threatening, it can lead to internal bleeding, ulceration, strictures, or esophageal cancer. Early detection can help prevent minor heartburn from becoming a major health issue.
GERD
If there is too much pressure in the stomach or if the sphincter muscle is not functioning properly, then contents of the stomach can splash back into the esophagus causing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease - or GERD.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptoms of GERD are:
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Heartburn: For many people, acid indigestion (known as heartburn) is more than an occasional annoyance after eating a greasy meal. Research shows that more than 60 million people suffer from this burning sensation that can extend from the breastbone to the neck and throat. Heartburn sufferers may also experience a sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, or a feeling of a lump in the throat. Because there can be chest pain associated with GERD, heartburn sometimes is mistaken for a heart attack.
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Regurgitation: a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus
Other common symptoms are:
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Feeling that food may be trapped behind the breastbone
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Heartburn or a burning pain in the chest (under the breastbone)
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Increased by bending, stooping, lying down, or eating
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More likely or worse at night
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Relieved by antacids
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Nausea after eating
To help minimize heartburn symptoms:
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Chew gum. It boosts saliva production, allowing quicker and more efficient neutralization of refluxed acid.
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Lose weight, if indicated.
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Stop smoking to help the esophageal muscle work better.
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Elevate the head of the bed by 4 to 6 inches, using cinder blocks or telephone books.
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Eliminate midnight snacks.
Diagnosis
If your symptoms are severe, recurrent, or ongoing for more than one year, one or more tests may help diagnose reflux or any complications:
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Esophagogastric duodenoscopy (EGD) is often used to examine the esophagus for damage. The doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera on the end through your mouth. The tube is then passed into your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Biopsies can be taken for evaluation.
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Barium swallow
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BRAVO pH system: A small capsule is temporarily attached to the esophageal wall and takes continuous pH measurements. Using these measurements, your physician can analyze and evaluate your symptoms.
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Impedance pH monitoring
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Esophageal manometry
Treatment
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Over-the-counter and prescription drugs
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Lifestyle changes including avoiding:
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Spicy, fatty, or citrusy foods
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Bending over or exercising just after eating
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Garments or belts that fit tightly around your waist
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Larger meals, especially before bedtime
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Stress
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Surgery is an option for patients whose symptoms do not go away with lifestyle changes and medication. Heartburn and other symptoms should improve after surgery, but some drugs may be needed for heartburn.
