GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux) - Symptoms and Treatment

GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux): Key Signs, Treatment options and Risk factors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a type of digestive disorder involving the muscle that connects the stomach and esophagus. This connecting muscle is termed the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. Those who suffer from chronic acid reflux or GERD often experience acid indigestion or heartburn.

Thus, it is essential to understand the symptoms that trigger acid reflux and cause GERD for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Read ahead to learn more about the related details of GERD, including its signs, symptoms, and risks associated with it.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a long-term medical condition where one’s stomach acid frequently flows back into their esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) cannot function correctly. When this backflow occurs, it can irritate the esophagus's lining and, if untreated, may lead to various symptoms and serious health problems.

What are the Symptoms of GERD?

A few commonly-reported GERD symptoms are listed as follows:

• Heartburn: It is the most common symptom, characterized by a burning feeling. This sensation starts in one’s stomach and can rise up to the chest, neck, or throat.\
• Regurgitation: Many people experience a foul, sour, or bitter taste as food or liquid comes back up into their mouths.
• Acid Reflux Symptoms: You may feel a constant sense of fullness or a lump in your throat (often referred to as a globus sensation), especially after eating.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Some individuals struggle with swallowing, finding it hard or painful (known as dysphagia or odynophagia)
• Chronic Cough and Hoarseness: GERD can lead to a dry cough or changes in your voice due to irritation of the vocal cords.
• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath, even with good oral hygiene, is another common issue.
• Chest Pain: This disease often leads to non-cardiac chest pain, which can sometimes feel similar to cardiac problems.
• Asthma-like Symptoms: Acid reflux can trigger bronchospasm, resulting in cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath, particularly in those who already have asthma.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients experience ongoing nausea or bouts of vomiting that are not related to other conditions.

What Triggers and Exacerbates GERD?

GERD symptoms are likely to get triggered in certain situations, such as:

• Lying Down or Trying to Sleep: Acid reflux tends to strike more at night or when you are in a reclined position.
• After Having Large Meals: These meals slow down how quickly your stomach empties and ramp up acid production.
• Bending Over: This can increase pressure in your abdomen, pushing acid back up.
• Smoking and Drinking Alcohol: Both of these habits can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making reflux more likely.

What are the Complications of Untreated GERD?

Ignoring chronic GERD may cause some severe health issues, such as:

● Esophageal Strictures

When acid damage forms scar tissue, it can narrow the esophagus, making it tough to swallow and even causing food to get stuck.

● Barrett’s Esophagus

Prolonged exposure to acid can change the lining of the esophagus (a process called metaplasia), resulting in Barrett’s esophagus. This condition significantly increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

● Esophageal Cancer

The most alarming complication is esophageal adenocarcinoma, a dangerous cancer that is often found at later stages.

● Other Complications

Untreated GERD can also lead to chronic coughs, laryngitis, dental erosion, and worsening asthma.

What is the Diagnosis of GERD?

When it comes to making a diagnosis, doctors usually rely on the patient's clinical history and the patterns of their symptoms. In certain situations, they might suggest a few tests, such as:

• Endoscopy: This helps them examine the oesophagus more closely for damage or check for conditions like Barrett’s esophagus.
• pH Monitoring: This test measures how much acid is making its way into the esophagus.
• Manometry: Through this examination, medical experts assess how well the muscles in the esophagus are functioning.

What is the Treatment for GERD?

Combining one or more of these methods can help alleviate symptoms of GERD. Such GERD treatment methods include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Weight Management: Losing excess weight and achieving a healthy BMI (body mass index) reduces strain on your stomach.
• Dietary Adjustments: Avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and greasy meals.
• Meal Timing: Opting for smaller meals and avoiding lying down right after eating can help prevent acid reflux.

2. Medications

• Antacids: Antacids are suggested to provide quick relief by neutralizing your stomach acid. However, they do not actually heal the esophagus.
• H2 Receptor Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):These work by cutting down acid production and aiding in resolving. They are the go-to measures for preventing acid reflux.
• Prokinetic Agents: These help food move more smoothly through the digestive system, lowering the chances of reflux.

3. Surgical Options

If medications and lifestyle changes don't work, fundoplication surgery can reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and help prevent reflux.

What are the Self-Care Tips to Manage GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease self-care strategies can indeed make a significant difference, and they include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Steering clear of trigger foods and late-night snacks
• Raising your head level while lying on the bed
• Avoiding your smoking habit and cutting back on alcohol

When you pair these steps with the treatments your doctor prescribes for gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, you can enhance your quality of life.

It is crucial to spot the GERD symptoms early on and get the right acid reflux treatment.