GERD Questions and Answers

Many people experience the occasional mild case of heartburn or acid ingestion after a heavy or spicy meal. However, if this problem occurs regularly, you may have a medical condition known as gastrointestinal reflux disease or GERD. If you let your GERD go untreated, it can cause various chronic symptoms and complications.

A basic understanding of GERD, from its causes and symptoms to treatment and preventative maintenance strategies, can help you get a grip on this uncomfortable problem and regain your quality of life. Consider the following questions and answers about this standard, painful condition.

Why and How Does GERD Occur?

Your stomach uses highly corrosive acid to dissolve the food you eat. Usually, this acid remains bottled up in the stomach thanks to a sphincter that closes the stomach off from the esophagus most of the time. If this sphincter doesn't work properly, acid and undigested food can move upward into the esophagus.

Don't assume that your occasional attack of heartburn counts as full-blown GERD. Heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux or GER, occurs for the same reasons and in the same manner as GERD, but it tends to cause only minor burning and irritation. Doctors consider GERD a more chronic and severe form of reflux.

What Symptoms and Complications Can GERD Cause?

Unlike GER, GERD strikes at least twice weekly, producing more varied and severe symptoms than ordinary heartburn. In addition to chest pain and tightness, GERD can cause regurgitation, a sour taste in your mouth, coughing, a hoarse voice, swallowing problems, and breathing difficulties.

Untreated cases of GERD can lead to medical complications as the esophagus keeps getting exposed to destructive stomach acid. Scar tissue or ulcers may form in your esophagus or throat. Chronic inflammation may create a condition called Barrett's esophagus, raising your risk for esophageal cancer.

How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat GERD?

Doctors use a combination of diagnostic methods to confirm a case of GERD. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, diet, and lifestyle while also examining your esophagus for signs of inflammation or scarring. A camera-mounted endoscope can relay internal images to the doctor for analysis.

Your doctor can devise a treatment plan to help stop the damage caused by GERD. If over-the-counter antacids have proven ineffective, you may receive a prescription for acid-suppressing drugs such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Other medications called prokinetics help your stomach empty more quickly.

GERD caused by a structural problem in your digestive system might call for surgical treatment. For instance, if your lower esophageal sphincter can't close properly, you may benefit from a procedure that wraps the top part of the stomach around the esophagus. Radiofrequency energy can also reshape a faulty sphincter.

How Can You Manage Your GERD More Effectively?

Dietary and lifestyle changes can help you manage your GERD once your doctor has gotten the worst problem under control through treatment. You may need to avoid certain foods or drinks known to trigger reflux. Examples include onions, garlic, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.

Changes in eating habits can matter just as much as food choices. If you routinely eat a couple of large meals a day, switch to a schedule of several smaller, more easily digested meals. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Finish eating two to three hours before bedtime, using a wedge to elevate your upper body in bed.

The state of your belly can affect the condition of your GERD. If you carry too much weight around your midsection, you may have less trouble with GERD once you shed those pounds. Wear loose-fitting clothes instead of tight belts or waistbands that pinch your abdomen.

If you experience uncomfortable symptoms that indicate a possible gastrointestinal reflux disease, visit Nashville Healthcare Center. Our experienced medical team can evaluate your condition, administer the appropriate treatment, and counsel you on a more GERD-free lifestyle. Contact our clinic today.