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What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)<\/h2>\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTVCbHdwdG9jJTVE[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)<\/h2>\nGastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back or reflux into the esophagus. The LES is a muscular ring at the bottom of the esophagus that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.<\/p>\n
When stomach acid refluxes and comes into contact with the inner lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat known as heartburn. The liquids may even be felt in the throat or the back of the mouth. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean you have GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD and can eventually lead to more serious health problems.<\/p>\n
The main symptoms are frequent heartburn and acid reflux. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience chest pain, hoarseness in the morning, or difficulty swallowing. You may feel as if food is stuck in your throat or experience a choking sensation or lump in your throat. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727683653156{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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No one knows why people develop GERD. Hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscular wall that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the LES prevent acid reflux into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it makes it easier for acid to reflux. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. Hiatal hernia can occur in people of all ages; many healthy individuals over 50 have a small hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n
If you have had heartburn or any other symptoms for a while, you should see your doctor. You may want to visit a physician specializing in internal medicine or a gastroenterologist, a doctor who deals with conditions of the stomach and intestines. Depending on the severity of your GERD, treatment may include one or more of the following lifestyle changes and medications or surgery.<\/p>\n
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Your doctor may recommend antacids, which you can buy over the counter, or medications that reduce acid production or help the stomach empty.<\/p>\n
Antacids, such as Maalox, Simeco, Aludrox, and Riopan, are typically the first medications recommended for relief of heartburn and other mild symptoms of GERD.<\/p>\n
Many brands on the market use different combinations of three main salts \u2013 magnesium, calcium, and aluminum \u2013 with hydroxides or bicarbonates to neutralize the acid in your stomach. However, antacids have side effects. Magnesium salts can lead to diarrhea, while aluminum salts may cause constipation. Aluminum and magnesium salts are often combined in a single product to balance these effects.<\/p>\n
Calcium carbonate antacids, such as Tums and Titralac, can also provide a supplemental source of calcium. They may cause constipation.<\/p>\n
Combinations of antacids and alginates, such as Algoral Protect and Gaviscon, coat the stomach contents to prevent reflux. These medications can help those with no damage to the esophagus. Algoral Protect, in particular, is beneficial for esophageal damage due to tamarind seeds.<\/p>\n
H2 blockers, such as cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine, inhibit acid production. These medications provide short-term relief but should not be used for more than a few weeks. They are effective for about half of those with GERD symptoms. Many people benefit from taking H2 blockers at bedtime along with a proton pump inhibitor.<\/p>\n
Proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers and can relieve symptoms in almost all individuals with GERD.<\/p>\n
Another group of medications, prokinetics, helps strengthen the LES and speeds up stomach emptying. This group includes domperidone, metoclopramide, and the Prodigest complex (a combination of artichoke and ginger extracts \u2013 a commercial preparation known as Silactis Prokinetic). Metoclopramide improves muscle action in the digestive system but has frequent side effects that limit its usefulness.<\/p>\n
Because medications work in different ways, combinations may help control symptoms. People who experience heartburn after meals may take two antacids and H2 blockers. Antacids work first to neutralize stomach acid, while H2 blockers act on acid production. Your doctor is the best source of information regarding the use of medications for gastroesophageal reflux.<\/p>\n
If your heartburn does not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, you may need additional tests. Barium swallow X-ray uses X-rays to help diagnose abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia or severe esophageal inflammation. During this test, you drink a solution and then X-rays are taken. Discomfort will not occur with this test unless there is a narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, hiatal hernia, or other pathology.<\/p>\n
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a more appropriate test than a barium X-ray and can be performed in a hospital or clinic. The doctor will spray your throat to numb it and will insert a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. A small camera in the endoscope allows the doctor to view the surface of the esophagus and look for abnormalities. If you have moderate to severe symptoms and this examination reveals irritation in the esophagus, usually no further tests are needed to confirm GERD.<\/p>\n
The doctor may use forceps with the endoscope to take a small piece of tissue for biopsy. The biopsy will be examined under a microscope and may reveal damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux while simultaneously ruling out other issues such as infectious microorganisms or lesions of suspicious origin.<\/p>\n
In esophageal pH monitoring, the doctor places a small tube in the esophagus that remains there for 24 hours. While you carry out your normal activities, the device measures when and how much acid returns to your esophagus. This test is useful for individuals with GERD symptoms but without esophageal lesions. The procedure is also helpful in detecting whether respiratory symptoms, including wheezing and cough, are caused by reflux.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727684507447{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Surgery is an option when medications and lifestyle changes do not work. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative for individuals who require continuous medication. Fundoplication, typically a special variation known as Nissen fundoplication, is the standard surgical treatment for GERD. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter, prevent acid reflux, and repair the hiatal hernia.<\/p>\n
Fundoplication can be performed laparoscopically and requires only small incisions in the abdomen. To perform fundoplication, surgeons use small instruments with a tiny camera.<\/p>\n
Laparoscopic fundoplication has been safely and effectively used in individuals of all ages, including infants. When performed by experienced surgeons, the procedure is reported to be straightforward and successful. Additionally, individuals can leave the hospital within 1 to 3 days and return to work in 2 to 3 weeks.<\/p>\n
Endoscopic treatment is performed using the GERDX system, provided there is no hiatal hernia. The endoscopic GERDX system involves placing full-thickness sutures to tighten the loose gastroesophageal valve. The procedure is done orally with a special endoscope, without incisions. The patient receives general anesthesia, the entire procedure takes less than one hour, and the patient is discharged the next day. Early studies have shown excellent results, but the long-term effects of the method are unknown.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, GERD can cause serious complications. Inflammation of the esophagus from gastric acid can lead to bleeding or ulcers. Additionally, scarring from tissue damage may narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult. Some individuals develop Barrett’s esophagus, which over time may lead to cancer. Studies have also shown that asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis can be worsened or even caused by GERD.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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