What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Dr.Sharad Malhotra, 3 mins read

Acid reflux is one of the common symptoms experienced by all of us. Heartburn or reflux of gastric acid into the food pipe causing a sensation of heat or burning which may spread to the neck and mouth occasionally is the main symptom of GERD.

Acid reflux can cause a bitter or sour taste in your mouth. Acid reflux can also occasionally lead to the regurgitation of liquids from your stomach into your mouth. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a chronic condition where acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus, is a condition that may cause significant distress if not treated in time.

This article provides information on GERD symptoms and treatment, causes, diagnosis, and prevention.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease symptoms

GERD symptoms and signs include the following:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn) which is usually experienced after eating. It might get worse at night especially on lying down.
• Chest pain/ discomfort // uneasiness
• Feeling a lump in the throat
• Regurgitation of food and sour liquid through mouth and nose
• You might also have nighttime acid reflux which sometimes causes 
• Laryngitis
• Chronic cough
• Sleep disruption
• Asthma that is new or worsening
• Dental erosions / oral ulcers

Gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment

GERD can be a chronic condition that needs appropriate diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and long-term management. Doctors often treat GERD with medication and lifestyle modifications. These treatment options may be able to significantly help.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of GERD treatment as they can improve symptoms. These lifestyle modifications could include:

• Sleeping in an inclined position
• People who have recently gained weight or are overweight should lose weight.
• Modifying diet suitably and avoiding food triggers like colas, alcohol, fried and spicy food 
• Walk after each meal
• Have light food before sleeping at night or have 6-8 small meals daily

Diagnosis

Simple investigations will help to make a diagnosis of GERD

This will include simple lab investigations like Liver function tests, thyroid profile, Lipid profile, Blood sugar analysis, ECG to rule out co-existing cardiac disorder, and Ultrasound abdomen to rule out gall stones.

Endoscopy may also be required to rule out the presence of Hiatus hernia and peptic ulcer disease

Medication

Your doctor may also recommend that you take 

Medications such as those listed below. Since GERD is a chronic condition so make sure to talk to your doctor about the best option.

Blockers of H2 receptors

H2 blockers work to reduce stomach acid. OTC H2 blockers include many, but prescriptions can be made for higher doses. However, they are weak drugs and may not work in difficult cases. 

It's important to note that one type of H2 blocker -- ranitidine (also known as Zantac) was recently recalled by the FDA to contain the ingredient N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a known carcinogen.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

It can be used if someone has GERD. PPIs such as omeprazole / Pantoprazole / Rabeprazole can also reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. They work better than H2-blocking medications, so they are more effective in healing the esophageal lining.

Antacids

Antacids can treat mild and occasional symptoms of acid reflux or GERD. If you feel that you are taking antacids every day, you might need a better medication/ evaluation of GERD. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes

Although there are no specific causes of GERD (there is a mechanism within your body that can make it more likely)

The lower esophageal muscle (LES) is the circular band of muscle that runs along the end of your stomach. It will relax and open when it is working correctly. It then tightens and closes once more.

Acid reflux occurs when your LES isn't properly closed or tightened. It allows your stomach contents and digestive juices to rise into your esophagus.

GERD is more common in following people.

• 40-85% of pregnant women are affected by GERD in their pregnancies.
• Obese/ overweight people because of increased pressure on the abdomen
• People who smoke and those who are passive smokers
• People taking certain medications, including asthma medication, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, pain killers, and sedatives.

Hiatus hernia, which is also a condition where the part of the stomach moves up into the chest through an opening in your diaphragm, is another example. It decreases the pressure of the esophageal sphincter, which increases the risk for GERD.

GERD foods to avoid

Certain foods and drinks can aggravate GERD symptoms. It includes heartburn and a sour flavor from regurgitation.

People with GERD should avoid the following items:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Carbonated beverages
• Tomatoes, tomato-based foods
• Juices and citrus fruits
• Mint
• Garlic
• Spicy food
• Onions
• Fried foods
• Fatty foods

These items, including alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, and fatty foods, are believed to worsen GERD symptoms. They relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscles that separates your stomach and esophagus.

Carbonated drinks can cause acidity and pressure to rise in the stomach. It makes it easier for stomach acids to push through the LES and then flow into the esophagus. Tomatoes, citrus fruits, and other items can aggravate symptoms by raising the acidity in your stomach.

People with GERD can find soda a particularly problematic drink because it is carbonated and often contains caffeine.

Because of its high fat and caffeine levels, chocolate may be the worst food for those with GERD.

High-fat dairy products and processed meats are also difficult to tolerate for the patient. 

Different people react differently to other foods. You should pay attention to what you eat and avoid foods or drinks that cause heartburn.

Acid reflux treatment F&Q

1. What is the main cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Frequent acid reflux/anatomical changes are the leading cause of gastroesophageal ulcer disease.

2. Is gastroesophageal reflux disease serious?

GERD by itself is not life-threatening. Long-term GERD may lead to more severe health issues as detailed above. 

3. What is the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

GERD can be managed with medication. If medications fail to work or you want to avoid the long-term use of medication, your doctor may recommend Fundoplication which is a surgical procedure. The surgeon will wrap your stomach around the lower part of the esophageal to prevent reflux.

4. Can you heal gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Most cases of acid reflux can be treated. It is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lifestyle changes can help the body heal in mild cases of GERD.

Conclusion

Acid reflux should not be a concern unless it is frequent. If this happens, heartburn could be a sign of GERD.

GERD can be treated. It is usually treated with lifestyle changes and medication. If left untreated, it can cause severe complications and may require surgery. You are not the only one who experiences occasional heartburn.

These occasional symptoms can be treated with simple antacids or lifestyle changes, such as waiting several hours before lying down after eating. It will usually provide relief. If you experience heartburn more often than once a week, and if small lifestyle changes are not making a difference, it could be difficult to treat GERD.

Your doctor can help you create a treatment plan if you have been diagnosed with GERD. There are many options available depending on your condition.

Do not let heartburn keep you from living the life that you want. If you suspect you might have GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Also, Read: Common Myths In Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)