GERD, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a disorder that affects how your stomach produces acid. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. GERD also increases the risk of esophageal cancer. It usually doesn’t have any symptoms, but you should see a doctor if you experience it for two weeks or more.
If left untreated, GERD can damage the lining of your esophagus and lead to more severe health problems. Here are the signs and symptoms you can look out for.
Symptoms of GERD
GERD can cause a variety of symptoms, the most common of which are:
Heartburn– Heartburn is a burning sensation that you feel in your chest. It’s caused by acid refluxing or flowing back into your esophagus. This can happen when the muscle at the end of your esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), doesn’t close properly. Stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus and cause heartburn when this happens.
Chest Pain– Chest pain is a common symptom of GERD. It’s a burning, stabbing, or pressure sensation in your chest. Chest pain can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. If you experience chest pain, it’s essential to see your doctor to determine the cause. Chest pain can signify a heart attack, so it’s important to rule that out.
Trouble Swallowing– GERD can also cause difficulty swallowing. This is because when acid refluxes into your esophagus, it can irritate and damage the lining of your esophagus. You may also feel a burning sensation when you swallow. This can make it difficult to eat food and drink.
A Sour Taste in Your Mouth– GERD can also cause a sour taste in your mouth. This is because when acid refluxes into your esophagus, it can irritate and damage the lining of your esophagus. You may also feel a burning sensation when you eat. This can make it difficult to swallow food and drink.
Regurgitation– GERD can also cause regurgitation. Regurgitation is when you vomit up food or stomach acid. It can be a sign that GERD is getting worse and that you need treatment. If you experience regurgitation, it’s essential to see your doctor.
GERD can also increase the risk of esophageal cancer. GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, or prescription medications. If you have any of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you should see your doctor. If GERD is left untreated, it can damage the lining of your esophagus and lead to more severe health problems.
GERD is a severe condition, but it can be managed with the proper treatment. If you think you might have GERD, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and how to treat them.
Types of Treatment
There are a variety of different types of treatment for GERD. The most common treatments are lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are the first step in treating GERD. There are several things you can do to help reduce your symptoms. Some of these changes include:
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding spicy or acidic foods
- Not eating close to bedtime
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising regularly
Over-the-Counter Medications
If lifestyle changes don’t help reduce your symptoms, you can try over-the-counter medications. These medications include:
- H2 blockers– These medications reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. They can be taken before meals to prevent heartburn.
- Proton pump inhibitors– These medications reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. They can be taken before meals to avoid heartburn.
- Antacids– These medications neutralize stomach acid. They can be taken after meals to relieve heartburn.
Surgery
In severe cases of GERD, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments haven’t helped reduce your symptoms or if you have complications from GERD. Surgery for GERD includes:
Fundoplication– This surgery strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. This surgery can be done laparoscopically or through open surgery.
LINX procedure– This surgery involves placing a ring of small magnets around the LES. This strengthens the LES and prevents acid reflux.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)– This surgery is done through the mouth without making any incisions. A device is used to create a new valve between the stomach and esophagus. This valve prevents acid reflux.
GERD is a severe condition, but it can be managed with the proper treatment. If you think you might have GERD, talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
GERD is a severe condition that can be managed with the proper treatment. If you think you might have GERD, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and how to treat them. GERD can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated, so it’s essential to get the proper treatment.
There are various treatments available, including lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications. You may also need surgery in severe cases.