Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a disorder of the digestive system characterized by inflammation of the esophagus, due to the backward flow of gastric acid from the stomach.

The esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that extends from the pharynx, or back of the mouth to the stomach, and is the pathway that food travels after being swallowed. When food enters the stomach, hydrochloric acid is secreted in preparation for digestion.

The stomach is protected from the damaging effects of hydrochloric acid by a layer of mucous secreted by the stomach’s inner lining. At the base of the esophagus lies a sphincter muscle that closes to prevent the back flow of stomach contents and acid. This protects the esophagus from the corrosive effects of the hydrochloric acid, also called gastric acid.

When the sphincter fails to close properly, stomach contents accompanied by gastric acid back flows through the sphincter muscle, causing a burning sensation in the esophagus. The most common term for this event is called heartburn.

Who is at risk?

Those at risk for GERD include adults, children, and infants. In fact, this disorder is experienced by at least ten percent of the adult population on a weekly basis. No one is immune and it can occur at any time or any age, and neither is gender an issue.

What causes GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is most often caused by lifestyle, what we eat, when and how much we eat. Fried foods that are highly seasoned, smoking, certain medications, and alcohol use are all contributors to acid reflux disease. Some medical conditions are also factors, such as pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and hiatal hernia. Obesity can also be attributed to GERD.

What are the symptoms?

The most prevalent symptom is heartburn that lasts for more than two hours and is located in the chest area. It is very often is exacerbated by eating or just by bending over. Other symptoms include the taste of stomach acid in the mouth, such as after belching, and a constant cough. In children, symptoms may present as vomiting or breathing difficulty.

Complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease include black tarry stools, which is indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. This requires immediate medical attention in the nearest hospital emergency room. Do not put this off.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of GERD involves special x-rays to be taken of the thoracic region that contains the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines. You will be required to swallow a contrast liquid, such as barium, which allows the doctor to see how and where the barium travels through the digestive tract.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is a test that is performed by inserting a flexible tube with a camera on the end, into the mouth, down the esophagus into the stomach and intestines. The doctor can easily view any damage done to the structures of the digestive tract. This procedure can be performed in the doctor’s office under mild sedation. It is similar to an endoscopy, where examination can take place via the mouth or the anus.

Esophageal manometry evaluates the function of the esophagus and the sphincter that may not be closing properly. This test also involves introducing a tube down the esophagus, and may be accompanied by a twenty-four hour pH probe study in which a tube is left in place for a twenty-four hour period. During this time, bouts of acid reflux are studied during the day and sleeping hours.

Treatment:

The focus of treatment for GERD is to decrease the back flow of stomach acid, resolution of symptoms, and prevention of esophogeal errosion. Antacids can be used to neutralize stomach acid.

Prevention:

GERD can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding spicy foods, not eating before going to bed, stopping smoking and increasing physical activity to reduce excess weight. Positionally, when lying down, elevate the head approximately six inches, and keep a straight posture when standing or sitting. This helps to prevent back flow of the gastric acid that causes GERD.

Related Posts

• What’s the difference between Acid Reflux Disease and GERD?
• Common Causes of Reflux
• Heartburn Information
• Symptoms of Reflux
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• How To Distinguish Symptoms Of Gerd
• Symptoms of heartburn and how to alleviate it?

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