GERD: Here’s What You Should Know About the GI Disease That Affects 20 Percent of Americans
While heartburn is often perceived as a minor and sporadic discomfort for many individuals, it can evolve into a chronic condition known as gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), significantly increasing the risk of developing a highly dangerous form of cancer.
Physicians stress the importance of being vigilant for various symptoms of GERD, beyond heartburn alone. These symptoms serve as indicators that individuals should pay attention to in order to identify the presence of GERD and take appropriate measures.
Heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD may be interconnected, but they refer to distinct aspects. According to Dr. Atif Iqbal, MD, FACS, FASMBS, the medical director of the Digestive Care Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, heartburn represents a sensation of burning behind the chest and can serve as a symptom of reflux.
Reflux, on the other hand, is the medical term denoting the movement of stomach contents into the esophagus. While heartburn is a prevalent symptom, it is crucial to understand its relationship with reflux and how they collectively contribute to the broader condition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a disease characterized by a gradual increase in acid exposure to the esophagus. Over time, this continuous exposure can lead to changes in the esophageal lining, potentially resulting in conditions such as Barrett’s disease and esophageal cancer. It is important to recognize that heartburn is just one of the symptoms associated with GERD. The progressive nature of GERD underscores the need for proper diagnosis and management to mitigate the risk of complications.
GERD manifests through a range of symptoms that individuals may experience. The primary and most prevalent symptom of GERD is heartburn.
Additionally, other symptoms commonly associated with GERD include regurgitation, sore throat, cough, chest pain, and hoarseness. If you are encountering any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your doctor. They will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a detailed medical history and a physical examination.
To specifically diagnose GERD, your doctor may also recommend specialized diagnostic tests such as upper endoscopy, bravo capsule acid test, esophageal motility test, or a barium swallow. Seeking medical attention is crucial to accurately identify and address GERD symptoms.
According to Dr. Iqbal, acid reflux can be triggered by various factors.
These include specific medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, albuterol, antibiotics, and certain high blood pressure medications. Additionally, certain supplements like fish oil, smoking, stress, obesity, particular foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, fatty or fried foods, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and hiatal hernia, can contribute to acid reflux episodes.
It is important to identify and manage these triggers to minimize the occurrence and severity of acid reflux symptoms.
Dr. Iqbal suggests various common treatments for GERD. For mild cases, over-the-counter antacids can provide relief. Implementing certain lifestyle changes can also be beneficial, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: “Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus,” warns Iqbal.
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing: “Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter,” says Iqbal.
- Steering clear of foods and drinks that trigger heartburn.
- Consuming smaller meals.
- Avoiding lying down immediately after eating: Dr. Iqbal recommends waiting for at least three hours before lying down or going to bed.
- Elevating the head of the bed: If nighttime heartburn or reflux is a recurring issue, raising the head of the bed by six to nine inches can help. This can be achieved by using blocks under the bed’s feet or placing a wedge between the mattress and box spring to elevate the upper body.
- Quitting smoking.
For moderate to severe GERD, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair mechanical defects in the esophagus that cause acid reflux.
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