Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Symptoms Causes Treatment

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to miss the quiet messages our bodies are trying to tell us. One such signal, often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, is heartburn. However, persistent or recurring heartburn may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition—gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. GERD affects millions worldwide, impacting their quality of life and, if left untreated, leading to more severe health complications.

GERD happens when stomach contents, including acid, travel back up into the esophagus. This backward flow, called acid reflux, causes a burning feeling in the chest and throat. It's caused by a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve that keeps stomach acid from going the wrong way. Acid can escape and irritate the esophagus when this valve weakens or relaxes too much. Though occasional heartburn is common, frequent episodes can signify GERD.

Symptoms of GERD

The most apparent symptom of GERD is heartburn. Other symptoms of GERD include:

●        Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

●        Difficulty swallowing

●        Nausea

●        Vomiting

●        A hoarse voice

●        Chronic cough

●        Bad breath

Causes and Risk Factors

Knowing the factors that cause GERD can empower you to make lifestyle changes that help prevent or manage it effectively if you already have it. It's important to remember that while these factors increase your risk, not everyone with these conditions will develop GERD.

●     Hiatal Hernia: This condition takes place when a part of your stomach moves up through a hole in your diaphragm, which weakens the muscle (LES) that's supposed to keep stomach acid from coming back up into your esophagus. This weakened valve allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing the characteristic symptoms of GERD.

●     Obesity: Carrying excess weight around the abdomen puts added pressure on the stomach. This pressure can push stomach contents back into the esophagus, making acid reflux and GERD more likely to occur.

●     Pregnancy: Pregnancy's hormonal shifts and increased abdominal pressure can loosen the LES, making acid reflux and heartburn more common.

●     Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and impairs the normal function of the esophagus, increasing the risk of GERD.

●     Dietary Triggers: Certain foods and beverages can relax the LES or irritate the esophageal lining, leading to heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Typical triggers include fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, acidic options like tomatoes and citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onions, coffee, tea (even decaffeinated varieties), alcoholic beverages, and carbonated drinks.

●     Other Factors: Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure medications, can also contribute to GERD. Conditions like delayed stomach emptying and connective tissue disorders can also increase one's susceptibility to GERD.

Diagnosis and Tests for GERD

Several tests can be used for diagnosis of GERD, including:

●     Upper endoscopy: This procedure uses a thin and flexible tube with a camera gently inserted down your throat to visually inspect the esophagus for any signs of damage or inflammation.

●     Esophageal manometry: This test checks how well the valve at the bottom of your esophagus (the LES) is working by measuring the pressure inside your esophagus.

●     24-hour pH monitoring: This test measures the acidity of the esophagus over 24 hours.

Management and Treatment of GERD

Several lifestyle changes can help manage GERD, including:

●     Losing weight: If you are carrying extra weight, losing some of it can lessen the pressure on your stomach and help ease GERD symptoms.

●     Eating smaller meals: Opting for smaller meals throughout the day can prevent your stomach from getting overly full, which is a common trigger for GERD symptoms.

●     Avoiding certain foods: Avoiding foods that trigger your GERD symptoms can help to manage the condition.

●     Raising the head of your bed: You can stop stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus by raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches while you're asleep.

●     Quitting smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and irritate the lining of the esophagus, so quitting smoking can help to improve GERD symptoms.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to control GERD, medications may be necessary.

●     Antacids: Antacids work by counteracting the acid in your stomach, offering fast relief from heartburn.

●     H-2 blockers: H-2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acid.

●     Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): They work by blocking the production of stomach acid.

In severe cases of GERD, surgery may be necessary. The most common type of surgery for GERD is laparoscopic fundoplication. This procedure is performed laparoscopically, which means it is done through small incisions in the abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon strengthens the valve at the bottom of the esophagus by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around it, creating a tighter seal to prevent stomach acid from refluxing.

Living With GERD

If you have GERD, there are several things you can do to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. These include:

●     Making lifestyle changes: The lifestyle changes listed above can help reduce GERD symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

●     Taking medications as prescribed: If you are prescribed medications for GERD, it is essential to take them as your doctor prescribes.

●     Seeing your doctor regularly: It is essential to see your doctor regularly for checkups and to discuss your GERD symptoms.

Conclusion

Although GERD can present obstacles, it doesn't have to dictate your life. Gaining a clear understanding of its causes, recognizing its symptoms, allows you to proactively manage your condition and enhance your overall well-being. By making thoughtful lifestyle changes, embracing healthier eating habits, and seeking medical guidance when needed, you can successfully navigate life with GERD and minimize its impact on your daily routines.

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Better Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier life. If you are looking for the best gastro surgeon in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, or Rajkot, we've got you. With considerable years of experience, we have built a team of the best gastro surgeons in these regions to provide you with premium treatment and the best results. Contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier future.