GERD or Reflux Disease
Reflux Disease or GERD
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux is a medical condition that affects 60 million people every year, yet most people go undiagnosed for an average of 2 to 3 years.
Gastroesophageal or the "stomach" and "esophagus" are involved in one way food transit. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus is not protected against the acids and digestive enzymes contained in the stomach. Normally the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, a one way valve that connects the esophagus with the stomach prevents the corrosive stomach juices from flowing backwards and entering the esophagus. When there is a malfunction of the LES how-ever, the stomach juices flow backwards or Reflux, causing damage and pain to the unprotected esophagus.
Diagnosis is very important when a patient is suspected of having GERD. There are a number of different methods for the determination of GERD. Once a patient shows the signs and symptoms of GERD, an Upper GI, Endoscopy, Esophageal Manometry, Esophageal pH monitoring or Biopsy can be used to make the diagnosis accurately. If GERD is left undiagnosed for a long period of time, severe and even life threatening diseases can result. Severe chest pain, stricture or narrowing of the esophagus leading to difficult and painful swallowing, Barrett's Esophagus which can precede cancer, perforation and bleeding due to esophageal erosion which can lead to anemia.
Non-pharmaceutical options a patient can use to lessen the effects of GERD. These involve lifestyle and dietary changes. Avoid over-eating. Smaller more frequent meals are easier on the digestive system than a few large meals each day. Since high fat meals can prolong gastric emptying, lowering the fat content in the diet can help. Keeping a healthy weight can lower your internal gastric pressure thus lessening the possibility of reflux. Don't lie down after eating and wear loose clothing. Lastly, foods that contain caffeine such as coffees, teas and colas, chocolate, alcohol and nicotine can lower the LES pressure and exacerbate GERD.
If the non-pharmaceutical options fail to bring relief, the next step is medicine. Antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can lessen the acidity of the gastric juices thus reducing the burning symptoms of reflux. Internal protectants and gastromotility enhancers are also used to bring relief of symptoms. If the lifestyle and dietary changes along with the pharmaceutical treatments fail to bring relief to the patient, their next option may be surgery.
If you or a love one is experiencing heart-burn or acid reflux, isn't it time to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. After-all, most cases of GERD can be quickly and easily diagnosed and treated.
