Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heart Burn
Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disorder that occurs when stomach contents rise up into the esophagus (reflux), damaging the esophageal mucosa.
Mechanism of GERD Development
The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. It acts as a valve and prevents the reflux of acid. The sphincter should open up only when a person is swallowing. In people with GERD, the sphincter muscles become weak, and stomach contents can flow backward into the esophagus at any time. Having reflux episodes is normal, but they usually last a short time. While GERD is characterized by a higher frequency and longer duration of reflux episodes.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn causes painful and burning sensations that arise from the stomach towards the chest. The feeling of discomfort gets worse after eating or at night. Occasional heartburn is common for everyone. However, if you have heartburn more than twice a week over a period of several months, it may be a sign of GERD.
- A sour or bitter liquid comes into the mouth (belching).
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Cough, especially after eating.
- Hoarseness, throat irritation and pain, feeling of fullness in the throat.
- Choking at night and change in the voice.
- Shortness of breath, asthma, or frequent lung problems.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you take heartburn medications more than twice a week.
Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In most cases, the exact causes that contribute to the development of GERD cannot be identified. There are various factors that can trigger the disease.
- genetic factor
- hormonal disorders
- weight gain
- eating a lot of fatty foods, poor diet
- excessive intake of coffee
- drinking too much alcohol or energy drinks
- smoking and other bad habits
- taking certain medications
- pregnancy. Symptoms usually get worse in the third trimester and disappear after childbirth.
Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux begins with lifestyle changes. First, it is critical to figure out possible root causes of symptoms.
- Take control of your weight. Excess weight puts added pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter, pushing gastric acid into the esophagus. It also causes irritation to the esophageal mucosa.
- Do not go to bed right after a meal.
- Avoid foods that trigger GERD symptoms: sauces, fried and fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, energy drinks, soda.
- Stop smoking. Smoking harms the digestive system and decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to protect the esophagus from stomach acid.
- Try not to wear clothes that put pressure on the abdomen, such as tight belts, jeans, and elastic waistbands. They compress the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter.
- Elevate the head of the bed 15 to 20 cm or use a wedge-shaped pillow. It can help gravity keep gastric acid down in the stomach.
- Do not bend over after a meal. If you need to pick something up from the floor, bend at the knees and avoid bending over at the waist. Avoid doing a physical activity or exercise after eating.
- Review all the medications you take. Certain medications can worsen GERD symptoms.
Medications used in GERD treatment are aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of reflux (the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus).