Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.

GERD can cause various symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, nausea, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers, scarring, and even cancer. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about GERD, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Causes of GERD

GERD happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus that controls the entrance to the stomach, relaxes or weakens, allowing stomach acid and bile to reflux into the esophagus.

Certain factors can trigger or worsen GERD, including:.

Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
Being overweight or obese
Eating a heavy meal and then lying on your back or bending over at the waist
Snacking close to bedtime
Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods
Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
Smoking
Being pregnant
Taking certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications

Symptoms of GERD

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that may radiate to the neck, throat, and jaw. Other symptoms of GERD may include:.

Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Chest pain or pressure that may mimic a heart attack
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Sore throat or laryngitis
Asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing or trouble breathing

Symptoms of GERD may worsen at night or when lying down and may improve with sitting up or standing.

Diagnosis of GERD

A diagnosis of GERD is usually based on a patient’s symptoms and medical history. A doctor may also recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and assess the severity of GERD. These tests may include:.

Upper endoscopy: A procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine for signs of inflammation, ulcers, or tumors.
Esophageal pH monitoring: A test that measures the amount of acid in the esophagus over a 24-hour period using a thin tube inserted through the nose and into the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry: A test that measures the pressure and coordination of the muscles in the esophagus using a thin tube inserted through the nose and into the esophagus.
Barium swallow: A test that uses x-rays and barium to visualize the esophagus and stomach and detect abnormalities such as strictures or hiatal hernias.

Treatment of GERD

The goals of treatment for GERD are to relieve symptoms, heal any damage to the esophagus, and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:.

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, eating smaller and more frequent meals, avoiding lying down for at least 3 hours after eating, losing weight, quitting smoking, and elevating the head of the bed.
Over-the-counter medications: Antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Rolaids, can help neutralize stomach acid. H2 blockers, such as Pepcid, Zantac, or Tagamet, can reduce acid production. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec, Nexium, or Prevacid, can also reduce acid production and promote healing of the esophagus. PPIs are usually more effective than H2 blockers for moderate to severe GERD.
Prescription medications: If OTC medications are not effective, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as PPIs or prokinetics, which help to move food and acid through the digestive system more quickly.
Surgery: In severe cases, when other treatments have failed, or when complications have developed, such as strictures or Barrett’s esophagus, a doctor may recommend surgery, such as fundoplication, to tighten the LES and prevent reflux.

Prevention of GERD

To prevent GERD, it is essential to avoid triggers and adopt healthy habits, such as:.

Eating smaller and more frequent meals
Avoiding trigger foods and beverages
Avoiding lying down for at least 3 hours after eating
Losing weight if overweight or obese
Quitting smoking
Elevating the head of the bed

Conclusion

GERD is a common and often chronic digestive disorder that can cause various symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and more.

It is caused by the relaxation or weakening of the LES, which allows acid and bile to reflux into the esophagus. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and surgery, if necessary. It is essential to prevent GERD by avoiding triggers and adopting healthy habits.

If you experience symptoms of GERD, seek medical attention to prevent complications and improve your quality of life.