FOR YOUR HEALTH — Gastroesophageal reflux disease: more than just heartburn

Christina Vanderpool
·3 min read
UH
UH

GERD, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is often referred to as heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux.

This condition is unpleasant but treatable.

Approximately 20% of adults have GERD.

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GERD happens when the acid from the stomach back flows into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

The continued backflow of acid irritates the lining of the esophagus and can cause damage.

People can experience acid reflux from time to time, but when symptoms occur more than twice a week, it could be GERD.

Most often symptoms can be controlled or reduced with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

In some cases, when symptoms are severe enough, stronger prescription medications or surgery may be necessary to adequately control symptoms.

Symptoms of GERD can include:

  • Chest pain or burning sensation in the chest

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Regurgitation of food or a sour liquid into the throat or mouth

  • Sensation of having a lump in the throat

  • Irritation in back of throat causing the need to clear the throat often

Amy Adkins, a nurse practitioner at University Hospitals Mid-Ohio Internal Medicine, says often times people experience the chest pain and a burning sensation and think it is related to their heart, when in fact they are experiencing symptoms of GERD.

It is important to know, if you experience chest pain or a burning sensation along with pain in the arm or jaw and shortness of breath, you should seek medical care immediately as these can be symptoms of a heart attack.

There are risk factors that increase the chances of having GERD. Obesity alone increases the risk of having GERD. Having a hiatal hernia (a bulge at the top of the stomach into the diaphragm) or delayed stomach emptying can also increase the risk. Pregnant women and people who have connective tissue disorders are also at a higher risk for having GERD.


Things that can aggravate symptoms after diagnosis and treatment:

  • Smoking and taking certain medications like aspirin can increase symptoms.

  • Irritation of symptoms can occur after eating large meals, especially late at night.

  • Certain types of foods, like fried and fatty foods or foods high in acid can cause symptoms to flare.

  • Drinking certain beverages like alcohol and coffee can also aggravate symptoms.

Treatment of GERD, like with most chronic diseases, can be done with medications and lifestyle modifications.

Adkins says diet modification can offer relief from symptoms. She says limiting foods that are highly acidic, like tomatoes and citrus foods, like oranges can help control symptoms.

Quitting smoking and losing weight are also lifestyle changes that can help control symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications, like Pepcid and Omeprazole, are used to help control GERD symptoms.

Having GERD can increase risk for certain complications.

One possible complication is an esophageal stricture, or narrowing of the esophagus. This happens when the stomach acid causes scar tissue to form in the lower esophagus. The scar tissue narrows the esophagus and makes it difficult to swallow.

Ulcers can develop in the esophagus from the continuous exposure to the stomach acid. The continued irritation by acid causes the lining in the esophagus to thin, these thin areas can bleed, cause pain and difficulty swallowing.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that develops from the changes that happen in the lining of the esophagus caused by the acid it is exposed to with GERD. This condition can cause difficulty swallowing and is associated with an increased risk for esophageal cancer.

If you experience symptoms of GERD more than twice a week, Adkins says you should schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms and possible need for treatment.

If you do not have a primary care provider, you can schedule an appointment with Adkins by calling 419-289-1133 or by visiting uhhospitals.org/schedule.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: FOR YOUR HEALTH: Gastroesophageal reflux disease: more than heartburn