What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the return of acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, back up into the esophagus.
What causes GERD?
GERD is believed to be the result of condition called hiatal hernia, which affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The typical cause of heartburn is when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The LES, a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let food in and closes to keep it in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes too often or for too long, acid refluxes back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Other lifestyle contributors to GERD may include the following:
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Being overweight
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Overeating
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Consuming certain foods, such as citrus,?chocolate, fatty, and spicy foods
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Caffeine
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Alcohol
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Smoking
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Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
Other medical causes of heartburn may include the following:
Symptoms of GERD
The following is the most common symptom of GERD. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn is described as a burning chest pain that begins behind the breastbone and moves upward to the neck and throat. It can last as long as two hours and is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over can also result in heartburn.
Most children younger than 12 years of age, and some adults, diagnosed with GERD will experience a dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing, instead of heartburn. Heartburn pain is less likely to be associated with physical activity.
The symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment of GERD
In many cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes, as directed by your physician. Some ways to manage heartburn include the following:
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Monitor the medications you are taking - some may irritate the lining of the stomach or esophagus.
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Quit smoking.
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Watch food intake and limit fried and fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruit and juices, and tomato products.
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Eat smaller portions.
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Avoid overeating.
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Watch consumption of alcohol.
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Do not lie down or go to bed right after a meal. Instead, wait a couple of hours.
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Lose weight, if necessary.
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Elevate the head of the bed 6 inches.
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Take an antacid, as directed by your physician.
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Ask your physician about use of over-the-counter medicines called "H2-blockers" and "protein pump inhibitors". Formerly available only by prescription, these drugs can be taken before eating to prevent heartburn from occurring. Also, promotility medications which help to empty food from the stomach may be prescribed by your physician.
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Occasionally, a surgical procedure called fundoplication may be performed to strengthen the esophagus and prevent reflux.
Source: www.placentialinda.staywellsolutionsonline.com/library/encyclopedia and National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/