Overview

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food, and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. This backwash can irritate lining of your esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. Acids in the esophagus cause heartburn and other symptoms, as well as possible tissue damage. GERD affects people at all ages- from infants to older adults. GERD is a mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week. GERD is characterized by symptoms and/or tissue damage that results from repeated or prolonged exposure of the lining of the esophagus to contents from the stomach. If tissue damage is present, the individual is said to have esophagitis or erosive GERD. The presence of symptoms with no evident tissue damage is referred to as non-erosive GERD.

Symptoms

The symptoms of GERD include...

• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Nausea & vomiting
• Sore throat
• Sensation of a lump in your throat
• In night time acid reflux, one may experience chronic cough, laryngitis, disrupted sleep

Causes

Causes of Gastroenterology

• Being overweight or obese
• Delayed emptying of stomach (gastroparesis)
• Certain foods & drinks such as fatty or fried foods
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Hiatal Hernia
• Pregnancy

Diagnosis

To diagnose Gastroenterology

• Esophageal pH & impedance monitoring
• Upper GI endoscope
• Upper GI series
• Esophageal manometry

Prevention

• Staying upright after eating
• Eat 2-3 hours before bed
• Quit or avoid smoking
• Avoid strenuous activities after eating
• Exercise for weight loss
• Sleep at slightly elevated angle

Treatment

Use of medications can help for treatment of symptoms:

• Antacids
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2 Blockers
• Prokinetics

Management

GERD can be managed by making dietary & lifestyle changes as follows:

• Maintaining a moderate weight
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding heavy meals in the evening
• Waiting a few hours after eating to lie down
• Sleeping in inclined position

Everyday life

Avoid or lessen the consumption of greasy foods, spicy foods, chocolate, alcoholic drinks. Lifestyle changes and medications can help to manage GERD

Resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940#:~:text=Common%20signs%20and%20symptoms%20of,Difficulty%20swallowing

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview