Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | GERD
A chronic digestive disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder in which stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, irritating the lining of the food pipe. GERD occurs when the muscular valve that connects the stomach with the esophagus fails to close properly or opens at the wrong time.
GERD Symptoms
GERD is a condition in which you tend to experience heartburn or acid/non-acid taste in the mouth when you burp. The prime cause of this disorder is the overwhelming of esophageal defenses into stomach contents. This causes reflux of acid into the esophagus.
A band of muscles in the stomach and esophagus acts as a barrier to prevent acidic reflux into the esophagus. If the barrier is compromises or relaxed at inappropriate times, reflux occurs.
While periodic heartburn is a common symptom, some other symptoms of the disorder include:
Acid regurgitation- Chronic sore throat
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Inflammation of the gums
- Sudden excess of saliva
- Cavities
- Laryngitis or hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Bad breath
- Belching
- Dysphagia or the feeling that food is stuck in the esophagus
- Inflammation of the gums
- Sour taste
- Erosion of teeth enamel
- Hoarseness
- Chronic irritation in the throat
GERD Diagnosis
The back-flow of acidic or non-acidic stomach contents into the food pipe can be an irksome condition. The disorder can be diagnoses by performing:
- Endoscopy to examine the esophagus interior
- X-ray of the upper digestive system
- Ambulatory acid (pH) test
- Esophageal impedance test to evaluate movement of substances in the food pipe
The majority of GERD patients experience mild symptoms, without any visible evidence of damage to the tissue. If the symptoms persist, it is important to consult your doctor. Untreated, long-lasting gastroesophageal reflux disease risks damaging the esophagus permanently and can sometimes lead to cancer.
GERD Treatment
It is important to make some lifestyle changes to treat the symptoms of GERD. The following changes to your lifestyle can help:
- Weight loss and management
- Elevation of head side of your bed by 6-8 inches
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Avoid heavy evening meals or dinner
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating
Your doctor may prescribe some over-the-counter drugs. However, in severe cases of GERD, surgery may be needed.