GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition where acid from the stomach climbs up into the oesophagus. Acid reflux happens when undigested food or the stomach moves back into your oesophagus. Experts treat this process as acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux. If you experience the signs and symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, you may have GERD. It can lead to problems if it still needs to be addressed.
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| Acid Reflux Explained |
What are the symptoms of GERD?
The main symptom of GERD is acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause an uncomfortable burning feeling in your chest or heart. It can progress into your neck and throat. This sensation is often known as heartburn. It may also cause food or liquid to regurgitate from your stomach into your mouth.
Other symptoms of GERD include:
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Oesophageal pain when swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough
- Bad breath
- Change in voice
What are the possible GERD treatment options?
You can manage and relieve the symptoms of GERD with your doctor's suggestion. Your doctor may encourage you to make specific lifestyle changes, like:
- Maintain a moderate weight, if applicable.
- No smoking if you smoke.
- Avoid big, heavy meals in the evening.
- You can develop a waiting period after eating to lie down.
- Elevating your head during sleep
What are the best medications available for GERD?
Your gastroenterologist may suggest OTC medications like those listed below. These medications can cause side effects, so discuss with your gastroenterologist which option is best for you.
Antacids
- Drs use Antacids to treat minor acid reflux and GERD symptoms regularly. Depending on antacids almost every day, you may need strong medication.
H2 receptor blockers
- H2 blockers lower the quantity of acid produced by your stomach. Many H2 blockers are available for OTC. Consumption of cimetidine, ranitidine, or famotidine will be helpful for a short duration.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- PPIs help your stomach produce less acid. PPIs tend to work better than H2 blockers. PPIs are more helpful during the healing of the oesophagal lining.
When medications fail to relieve GERD symptoms, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (also known as Nissen fundoplication) is employed. Surgeons treat laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for GERD, and it may involve reinforcing the lower oesophagal sphincter, called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, your gastrosurgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower oesophagus after reducing the hiatal hernia. The oesophagal sphincter is lowered with this treatment, making acid reflux less prevalent.
What Methods Do Doctors Use to Diagnose GERD?
If your doctor knows you have GERD, they will perform a physical examination and inquire about your symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may conduct specific tests, including:
- - Insert a small, flexible tube through the nose into the oesophagus.
- - Measure acid exposure using the pH sensor at the tip of the oesophagus.
- - Transmit the data from the pH sensors to a portable computer.
- - Wear this tube for approximately 24 hours.
- - Utilize this technique by your gastroenterologist, establishing the gold standard for diagnosing GERD.
Esophogram.
- Your doctor may ask for a barium solution test for X-ray imaging, which they use to examine your upper digestive tract.
Upper endoscopy.
- Your gastroenterologist or surgeon may use a flexible tube with a tiny camera threaded into your oesophagus to examine it. They collect a sample of tissue (a biopsy) if needed.
- Your gastroenterologist or surgeon uses a flexible tube passed through the nose into your oesophagus to measure the strength of your oesophagal muscles.
Oesophageal pH monitoring.
- Your gastro surgeon may insert a monitor into your oesophagus to evaluate acid regulation in your body over a few days. They will draw some conclusions.
Your doctor will assess the most effective treatments for you and evaluate the viability of surgery as an option. Bariatric surgery may be a viable alternative to GERD exacerbated by excessive weight.
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| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease |
What are the possible causes of GERD?
The circular band of muscle at the bottom of your oesophagus is known as the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). When LES is working correctly, it relaxes and opens when you swallow. Then it tightens and closes again afterwards. Acid reflux happens when your LES closes accurately. This reflux allows digestive juices and other stomach contents to travel up your oesophagus.
Some other possible causes include:
If you have a hiatal hernia issue,
- This problem occurs when a part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm towards the chest. We understand that if our diaphragm is compromised, our LES will not be able to function.
If you are consuming large meals frequently,
- This practice potentizes the distension of the upper part of the stomach. This distension shows that the LES does not close adequately due to a lack of pressure.
If you are lying down too soon after large meals,
- This habit can also create less pressure than the LES needs to function precisely.
What are the risk factors for GERD?
We know that there is no specific cause for GERD. Lifestyle choices and certain health conditions can increase the likelihood of a diagnosis.
These include:
- Life with obesity
- Being pregnant
- Life with a connective tissue disorder
- Frequent smoking
- Frequently eating large meals
- Consistently lying down or going to sleep shortly after eating
- Frequent eating, like deep-fried, fast food, or tomato products
- Regular beverages like soda, coffee, or alcohol
- Using an abundance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen
What are the dietary triggers for GERD?
Some high-fat foods, like fried foods and fast foods, are trigger factors for GERD. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, tomato sauces, and onions exacerbate GERD.
Drs know that IBS is a condition that can affect your large intestine.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- bloating
- Unwanted constipation
- Frequent diarrhoea
Make an appointment with your surgeon if you experience symptoms of both IBS and GERD. Your surgeon may suggest a few beneficial dietary, medical, or therapy modifications.
In conclusion, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and minimise the impact of GERD on their daily activities. Lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medical interventions are crucial for alleviating symptoms and preventing complications associated with GERD.
Regular consultation with healthcare professionals is essential for accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing management of GERD. With proper management and adherence to treatment regimens, individuals with GERD can lead fulfilling lives with improved symptom control and overall well-being.