Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the normal defenses of the esophagus fail to protect it from offensive factors from the stomach. The weakened lower esophageal sphincter or a hiatal hernia can erode the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, allowing offensive substances to reflux back into the esophagus. Although not all people experience reflux, certain foods and drinks can exacerbate the symptoms of the condition. These include coffee, citrus drinks, fatty foods, and tomato based products.

Symptoms

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus and mouth. While occasional reflux is perfectly normal, most episodes are brief and do not cause symptoms. However, if the problem is bothersome and recurrent, you should seek medical help.

Symptoms of GERD may include chest pain in the upper or middle abdomen. These usually occur shortly after a meal and can last for minutes or hours. Sometimes, chest pain may be mistaken for the burning pain caused by GERD. If you experience a constant chest pain after eating, you should consult a doctor.

In many cases, the symptoms of GERD are manageable through lifestyle changes and diet changes. However, medications to decrease the acid content in the stomach can also help. In many cases, lifestyle changes alone are sufficient to relieve the symptoms of GERD without any long-term consequences.

GERD is a common condition in both adults and children. Some studies show that as many as 25 percent of children suffer from the symptoms of GERD. The condition may lead to other conditions, such as esophagitis, ulceration of the esophagus, and difficulty swallowing. If your child has symptoms of GERD, it is important to visit a pediatrician.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be a nuisance and can negatively affect your health. Although gastroesophageal reflux disease is relatively common, many people do not seek medical attention despite the discomfort. Fortunately, it is treatable, and at the University of Kansas Health System, minimally invasive surgical procedures can help patients get their lives back to normal.

The treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease is based on the severity of the condition. While some patients can be treated with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications, other cases require prescription drugs from a doctor. In some cases, doctors prescribe proton pump inhibitors, which have minimal side effects. Most patients only need to take these medicines for eight weeks to see if they improve their condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may be prescribed for a longer period of time. Some patients may also need to take H2-antagonists or other medicines to improve symptoms.

Symptoms of gastroesophagetal reflux disease include heartburn and regurgitation. People with the condition also experience difficulty swallowing. Additionally, some may experience bad breath, wheezing, cough, and chest pain.

Causes

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can occur for a variety of reasons. The main symptom is heartburn. In more severe cases, the acid can damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to ulcers, erosions, inflammation, and Barrett’s esophagus.

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are often triggered by other problems, including asthma. People with hard-to-treat asthma are more likely to develop GERD. However, reflux can trigger asthma symptoms in two different ways. First, refluxed stomach acid irritates the nerves at the base of the esophagus, sending signals to the brain. These signals, in turn, activate the muscles and secrete mucus that cause asthma symptoms.

Other causes of GERD include obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and pregnancy. Women are at a higher risk of developing GERD than men, although GERD can develop in anyone. It increases sharply in frequency and severity in people over 40, partly due to decreased peristalsis and saliva production. Diet also plays a role in the risk of developing GERD. The symptoms of GERD may also be caused by certain diseases, such as hiatal hernia or diabetes. A physician can diagnose GERD through a detailed history and endoscopic examination.

Lifestyle changes are often effective in managing GERD symptoms. Avoiding lying down for at least two hours after meals and walking after meals may help prevent symptoms. Exercise also helps burn extra calories. Lastly, avoid foods that irritate the lining of the esophagus, especially fatty foods and fried foods.

Although there is no 100% accurate diagnostic test for GERD, lifestyle changes and medication can help. However, if symptoms persist, seek medical attention. The sooner you seek treatment, the better, as symptoms can worsen without proper treatment. One way to treat GERD is to raise the head of your bed, which can be done by using wood blocks under the bedposts. However, extra pillows do not help.

To limit your risk of reflux, try eating smaller meals throughout the day. It may also help to avoid smoking, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and causes reflux. You should also avoid excess body weight, as excess weight places more pressure on the esophagus and stomach. Avoid lying down within three hours of eating, as this increases the pressure inside the esophagus. Additionally, try sleeping on an elevated bed to reduce the pressure on the stomach.

Treatment options

Currently, there are two main treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux: lifestyle changes and medications. In some cases, though, surgery may be needed. This procedure wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus, creating a stronger anti-reflux barrier. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, this surgery can provide permanent relief. It is often performed laparoscopically, which makes the recovery time less extensive.

Some patients find relief from over-the-counter antacids. These medications reduce the acid production in the stomach and can reduce symptoms for up to 12 hours. However, these medications may not help repair damage to the esophagus caused by chronic GERD. Proton pump inhibitors, which block three of the three pathways that cause acid production, can also be helpful for some patients.

While some patients may be able to live with reflux for years, the best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease will be individualized for each patient. Ultimately, the goal of treatment should be to reduce the acid level in the body and help people feel better. For many, this means changing their eating habits and seeking a new lifestyle.

If GERD persists despite medical treatment, surgery may be the only option. However, undergoing surgery is a last resort for those who don’t want to live with acid suppressing medication for the rest of their lives. Additionally, many people have strong feelings of personal preference regarding the side effects of medications and other procedures that help to control the symptoms of GERD. If you suspect GERD, see your doctor, who may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. During the evaluation process, your doctor may take a biopsy or perform a simple esophageal sphincter to check the condition.

Medical treatment for GERD typically includes the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and lifestyle changes. While occasional heartburn is not a cause for medical intervention, recurrent heartburn is. Symptoms of GERD can include a persistent cough and chest pain.

Complications

There are various complications associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including esophageal strictures and ulceration. In addition, it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that predisposes people to esophageal cancer.

GERD is a condition where stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus and causing pain and chest pain. If the condition is not treated, the acid can damage esophageal cells and tissues, leading to esophageal ulcers and scar tissue. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer. Other complications of GERD include lung infection, laryngitis, pneumonia, and chest congestion.

Although gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to lung damage, it is not sufficient to cause pulmonary fibrosis. This disease can impair the laryngeal and cough reflexes, which protect the airway. The impaired reflexes can lead to recurrent aspiration of gastric contents. Recurrent aspiration is associated with increased pulmonary fibrosis in about ten to twenty percent of GERD patients.

GERD is an extremely common GI condition with an increased prevalence in the western world. It’s usually treated with lifestyle modification and medications. If the symptoms persist, however, surgical management should be considered. Even though it is a last resort, gastroesophageal reflux disease can be treated with drugs, lifestyle changes, and diet changes.

Alcohol consumption has also been associated with GERD. However, more conclusive studies are needed to make a definitive link between alcohol consumption and GERD. For now, the recommended treatment is to limit alcohol intake. A gastroscopic examination is necessary to diagnose GERD, and a doctor may order an acidity test to confirm the diagnosis.