Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acids flow back into your esophagus—the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This irritates the lining of the esophagus and results in a burning sensation in your throat and chest, and a sour taste in your mouth.
Long-Term Effects
GERD can cause pain, trouble swallowing, and serious issues like esophagitis, ulcers, scarring, or Barrett’s esophagus.
Is it Acid Reflux or GERD?
It’s normal to get acid reflux once in a while, such as after eating a big meal. But if it happens at least twice a week, or if you’re dealing with more severe symptoms once a week, it’s likely GERD.
GERD Is Common
GERD is a widespread condition, affecting up to 28% of Americans (up to one in four adults). It can range from mild to severe, requiring medical intervention.
Causes
Several factors can lead to GERD. Fortunately, many of them can be managed or prevented with lifestyle changes.
Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
The LES is a muscle that acts as a valve. It allows food to pass into your stomach while preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. If your LES becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, digestive acids can flow from your stomach into your esophagus.
Obesity
Extra weight, especially around the belly, can put pressure on the stomach and force acids to travel back up into the esophagus.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm into your chest cavity. This can make the LES function less efficiently.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux and GERD. Plus, increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy relaxes the LES, worsening reflux.
Diet & Lifestyle
Certain foods and habits can trigger GERD symptoms: spicy, fried, or fatty foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Plus, eating big meals or lying down after eating can bring on acid reflux.
Smoking
Smoking weakens your LES muscle.
symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs of GERD include:
Heartburn
This feels like a burning sensation in the chest or throat, especially after eating or while lying down.
Chronic Cough & Hoarseness
Coughing or a raspy voice could mean that stomach acid is irritating your vocal cords.
Sore Throat & Bad Breath
Stomach acid from GERD can give you a sore throat and cause bad breath.
Trouble Swallowing
Food getting stuck in your throat or chest could be a sign of esophagus damage from GERD.
Regurgitation
This happens when stomach acid or food flows back into the mouth or throat, leaving a sour or bitter taste.
Chest Pain
GERD can cause sharp, gassy chest pain. It can sometimes feel like a heart attack. If you have unexplained chest pain, don’t assume it’s GERD. Get it checked out right away.
DiagnosIs
Depending upon your symptoms and severity, you may need one or more of the following tests for an official diagnosis of GERD.
Endoscopy
A small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your esophagus. This gives a closer look at the lining of your esophagus and stomach. It allows your provider to check for signs of irritation or damage. This test is often used if your symptoms are severe, or your provider thinks you may have complications.
pH Monitoring
This test measures the level of acid in your esophagus over 24 hours. It can tell if acid reflux is happening and how often.
Esophageal Manometry
This test measures the pressure and movement in your esophagus. It checks how well the muscles of your esophagus and LES are working.
Barium Swallow X-Ray
A contrast liquid helps to show your esophagus on X-ray images. It is used to look for physical causes of GERD, such as a hiatal hernia.
Treatment
GERD can be managed with the right treatment. Here are some ways to lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Dietary Changes
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overloading your stomach.
Avoid trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus, chocolate, and caffeine.
Don’t lie down after eating. Wait at least two to three hours to prevent acid from flowing back up. At night, elevate your mattress to keep your head and chest raised.
Medications
Antacids (Tums or Mylanta) can neutralize stomach acid.
H2 blockers, like ranitidine or famotidine, reduce acid production in your stomach.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (omeprazole and esomeprazole) block acid production and help heal your esophagus.
Lifestyle Changes
Lose excess weight to reduce pressure on your stomach.
Quit smoking to improve LES function and your overall digestive health.
If medication and lifestyle changes don’t help, you may need to see a specialist.
How We Can Help
If you think you have GERD, talk to your primary care provider. During your appointment, your provider will review your symptoms, discuss lifestyle factors, and look at your overall digestive health. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist if your GERD is severe. In this case, the team of providers will partner to coordinate your care.
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Find one here or call us at
866-325-0301
