Comprehending Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

When stomach acid persistently flows back into your esophagus—the tube connecting your mouth and stomach—you may be dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This repeated backwash, or acid reflux, can irritate and inflame the lining of your esophagus.

Many individuals occasionally experience acid reflux, which is typically harmless. However, when it occurs frequently, it can develop into GERD. If you find yourself experiencing acid reflux or heartburn more than twice a week, or frequently taking antacids and heartburn medications without relief, you might be suffering from GERD.

GERD affects over 20% of the U.S. population. It doesn’t discriminate by age, though certain individuals may be more susceptible. The likelihood of developing GERD increases after the age of 40.

You are more likely to develop GERD if you are:

• Overweight or obese
• Pregnant
• Smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke
• Taking medications that might cause acid reflux

Most people can manage their GERD symptoms through lifestyle changes and medications. Although rare, some may require surgery for relief.

Symptoms of GERD

The primary symptoms of GERD include recurring heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some individuals may experience GERD without heartburn, instead feeling chest pain, hoarseness in the morning, or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms may include a dry cough and bad breath.

GERD signs and symptoms can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
• Sensation of a lump in your throat
• Persistent cough
• Inflamed vocal cords (laryngitis)
• Asthma flare-ups

Why Does Heartburn Occur?

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, wherein stomach acid irritates your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest. This typically worsens after eating and can disrupt sleep, as symptoms intensify when lying down or reclining.

Fortunately, over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn and acid indigestion medications often provide relief. For more persistent heartburn, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.

Tips to Prevent GERD Symptoms

Here are ten tips to help prevent GERD and its symptoms:

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Consume several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
3. Limit full-fat dairy products like sour cream, cheese, and whole milk, and reduce the intake of butter, oils, salad dressings, gravy, fatty meats, and other high-fat foods.
4. Stay upright (sitting or standing) during and after meals.
5. Avoid eating just before bedtime; aim to go to bed at least three hours after eating.
6. Avoid tight clothing around the abdomen, as it can push stomach acid into the esophagus.
7. Elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches using wooden blocks.
8. Quit smoking.
9. Take prescribed acid-reducing medications as directed by your doctor.
10. Identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.

Medications for Treating GERD

Various OTC and prescription medications are available to treat GERD. Many OTC medications are also available in prescription strength. If OTC medications do not provide relief, your doctor might prescribe a more potent version.

The most common GERD medications include:

• Antacids – Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acids. Examples include Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Riopan, and Maalox.
• H-2 Receptor Blockers – Reduce acid production. Examples include Tagamet, Pepcid AC, Axid AR, and Zantac.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors – Potent acid blockers that can heal damaged esophagus tissue. Examples include Prevacid, Prilosec, Zegerid, Nexium, Protonix, AcipHex, and Dexilant.

Baclofen – A prescription drug that reduces the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby decreasing acid backwash.