Acid Reflux (GERD) - Facts & Treatment Options
Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease) is a chronic, often life-long condition where liquids
and acids from the stomach regurgitate into the esophagus. These
liquids can inflame the esophageal lining and in a minority of
patients causes damage.
It's estimated that 5 to 7 percent of the global population,
including infants & children suffer from GERD and it is often
misdiagnosed because the symptoms are either too mild to warrant
a doctor's visit or downplayed and misunderstood.
What causes GERD?
Usually GERD is caused by a faulty sphincter. The esophageal
sphincter is a little muscular ring at the end of the esophagus
and is designed to prevent stomach contents from "backing up".
Sometimes this sphincter becomes weak and stops functioning
properly, allowing stomach acids to push up through the opening
into the esophagus. In other cases, GERD is caused by a hiatus
hernia, where the stomach pokes through the diaphragm,
preventing the esophagus from closing. There are also certain
health conditions where a higher incidence of GERD occurs, such
as in those with asthma and diabetes.
What are The Symptoms of GERD? The symptoms vary from person to
person, may be mild or severe and may come occasionally or daily.
- A painful burning in the abdomen and/or chest. Sometimes this
pain will radiate through your back.
- Excessive belching and persistent heartburn.
- Feeling a sudden surge (spitting up) of acids spill into the
back of your throat and mouth. It usually tastes very sour and
burns.
- People with severe acid reflux can experience breathing
problems and hoarseness due to damage to the respiratory tract
and larynx.
- Consistently waking up with pain in the abdomen and/or chest.
This can feel like a single painful cramp in the pit of your
stomach and usually goes away within an hour or so.
- Symptoms may be triggered after eating a large meal, fatty
foods, and alcohol. Smoking can cause symptoms as well.
- Bending over and feeling a sensation of sour fluids spilling
into your throat.
- Over time and without treatment, GERD can cause scar tissue to
form, making it difficult to swallow. At this stage, seeking
medical intervention is needed.
How is GERD diagnosed?
Most doctors will be able to diagnose the condition based on the
symptoms you report, but if there is any doubt, a gastroscopy
can provide a better idea of what is causing your symptoms. Your
doctor may want to rule out conditions with similar symptoms -
such as peptic ulcers, angina, constipation, irritable bowel
syndrome, gallstones, and pancreatic disease.
What are the treatment options for GERD?
The first step in treating GERD is to adjust your habits. Stop
smoking, avoid meals that trigger symptoms, and limit coffee and
alcohol intake. If you have problems with GERD symptoms in the
morning because of lying flat all night, try elevating your
upper body 8 inches so that you are sleeping on an angle,
allowing gravity to minimize the amount of stomach acids
settling in your esophagus while you sleep.
Even when taking good care of yourself, you might need to take
extra measures to keep GERD under control. Most non-prescription
antacids work well in controlling symptoms, however if they
simply aren't working, then a trip to the doctor is in order.
Prescription treatments may include:
- Histamine-2 (H2) Blockers such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet and
Zantac - Proton Pump Inhibitors such as Aciphex, Nexium,
Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix
As with everything, what works for one person may not work for
you. It is important to discuss your condition with your doctor
and evaluate the side effects before diagnosing yourself and
taking any medication or treatment, whether prescribed or over
the counter. This article does not substitute a medical
professional's advice and is not intended as such.