What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid frequently overflows into your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Your esophagus is not resistant to acid like the lining of your stomach is, so this overflow, called acid reflux, can irritate the esophagus and damage it over time.
Although many people experience infrequent acid reflux, people with GERD may have mild-to-moderate acid reflux twice a week or more, or severe acid reflux once a week or more. Some cases of GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, but more severe cases may require prescription medication or even surgery to correct.
What are the symptoms of GERD?
Common signs and symptoms of GERD will usually include:
- Heartburn, a burning pain in your chest, just behind the breastbone
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of small bits of food or a bitter, sour liquid
- The sensation of a lump in your throat
Heartburn may grow worse after a meal or when you lie down. If you have nighttime acid reflux, you could also experience a chronic cough, laryngitis, disrupted sleep, and new or worsening asthma.
How is GERD treated?
The first step to treating GERD is often some small lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding foods that trigger your acid reflux. If you smoke, stopping as soon as possible can reduce your incidences of acid reflux, as can elevating the head of your bed or avoiding lying down after a meal.
If these lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, antacid medications that neutralize stomach acid, like Tums®, can protect your esophagus. Further prescription medication may also be helpful, like h-2 receptor blockers and other medications that block acid production entirely. Proton pump inhibitors can also block acid production and heal your esophagus. In some rare cases, surgery to tighten the muscles around your stomach can be necessary to prevent acid reflux.
If you’re having frequent heartburn or are worried you may have GERD, call Monrovia Internal Medicine & Primary Care today, or make your appointment online.
