Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter opens spontaneously or does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus. GER is also commonly called acid reflux or
acid regurgitation.
When acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD and can lead to more serious health problems.
Why some people develop GERD remains unclear. However, research shows that, in people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes while the rest of the esophagus is working. A hiatal hernia may also contribute to GERD. Normally, the diaphragm helps the lower esophageal sphincter keep acid from rising up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, acid reflux can occur more easily. A hiatal hernia can occur in people of any age and is usually considered a normal finding in otherwise healthy people over age 50.
Common Symptoms
The main symptom of GERD in adults is frequent heartburn – a burning pain in the lower part of the mid-chest (behind the breast bone) and in the mid-abdomen. Most children under age 12 and some adults have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they may experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or difficulty in swallowing.
Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include the following:
• Citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Drinks with caffeine or alcohol
• Fatty and fried foods
• Garlic and onions
• Mint flavorings
• Spicy foods
• Tomato-based foods, such as spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza
Diagnosis
Physician will first try and treat the symptoms of GERD with a variety of using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications. If your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, you may need additional tests, such as the following:
• Barium swallow radiograph. This test uses X-rays to help spot abnormalities, such as a hiatal
hernia and other structural or anatomical problems of the esophagus. With this test, you drink a
solution, and then X-rays are taken. The test will not detect mild irritation, although strictures –
narrowing of the esophagus – and ulcers can be observed.
• Upper endoscopy. This test is more accurate than a barium swallow radiograph and may be
performed in a hospital or a doctor’s office. After lightly sedating you, the doctor will slide a thin,
flexible plastic tube with a light and lens on the end (endoscope) down your throat. Acting as a
tiny camera, the endoscope allows the doctor to see the surface of the esophagus and search
for abnormalities.
• Biopsy. Tiny tweezers, called forceps, are passed through the endoscope and allow the doctor
to remove small pieces of tissue from your esophagus. The tissue is then viewed with a
microscope to look for damage caused by acid reflux and to rule out other problems if infection
or abnormal growths are not found.
• pH monitoring examination. This procedure involves the insertion of a small tube into the
esophagus or clipping a tiny device to the esophagus that will stay there for 24-to-48 hours.
The device measures when and how much acid comes up into your esophagus. This test can
be useful if combined with a carefully completed diary – recording when, what, and amounts
the person eats – which allows the doctor to see correlations between symptoms and
reflux episodes.
Treatment Options
Symptoms of GERD are typically treated with antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications. Depending on the severity of your GERD, treatment may involve one or more of the following lifestyle
changes, medications, or surgery as recommended by your physician.
Chronic GERD that is untreated can cause serious complications. Inflammation of the esophagus from refluxed stomach acid can damage the lining and cause bleeding or ulcers (esophagitis). Scars from tissue damage can lead to strictures that make swallowing difficult. Some people develop Barrett’s esophagus, in which cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color. Over time, the calls can lead to esophageal cancer, which is often fatal. Persons with GERD and its complications should be monitored closely by a physician.
Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Provider
• What treat option is best for me?
• What are the potential side effects?
• What dietary or lifestyle changes do you recommend?