Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid, used for digestion, regurgitates or refluxes into the esophagus, causing inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. GERD is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux, also known as GER, a less serious form of GERD. Most people have occasional episodes of GER, but when GER becomes more frequent, occurring more than two times a week, it is classified as GERD. The stomach acid causes pain or burning in the chest or throat, known as heartburn.
Causes of GERD
The causes of GERD are unknown. It is believed that the abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, which allows the liquid to pass back up to the esophagus, may contribute to the cause of the condition. Other risk factors that may contribute to the cause of GERD may include the following:
- Hiatal hernia
Swallowing disorders and abnormally slow emptying of the stomach can also increase the chance of developing GERD.
Symptoms of GERD
The primary symptom of GERD is heartburn, which occurs as the stomach acid travels through the esophagus and stimulates the nerve fibers. Heartburn is felt as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It can stretch from the abdomen to the neck and can even extend into the back. Heartburn from acid reflux occurs most often after eating or while lying down, when reflux is more likely to occur. Symptoms can be triggered by spicy foods, caffeine or alcohol. Other more common symptoms of GERD may include the following:
- A dry cough
- Trouble swallowing
- Sore throat
A hoarseness or change in the voice may also be a symptom of GERD.
Diagnosis of GERD
There is no clear test for diagnosing GERD. Many doctors will treat heartburn symptoms with acid suppressors and consider effective treatment to be a confirmation of GERD. Heartburn can be a symptom of other conditions, however, so other tests may be conducted to confirm diagnosis. These tests include the following:
During a esophagogastroduodenoscopy, also known as an EGD, a thin tube, with a camera, is inserted and threaded to the esophagus. The lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum are visually examined for inflammation, lesions or breaks in the lining. A sample of tissue may be taken for biopsy.
Esophageal Acid Testing
A thin tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the esophagus. The tube has a sensor that measures the levels of acid in the esophagus. The tube is connected to a recorder at the waist that records episodes of reflux from the sensor over a 24 hour period. Since most people have mild amounts of acid reflux, the results of this test are not always accurate. This test can also be used to determine why treatment has been ineffective or if GERD has been diagnosed incorrectly.
A thin tube is inserted through the mouth an into the esophagus. The tube has a sensor attached to measure the pressure of the muscles when they relax and contract. The purpose of this test is to determine how well the muscles of the esophagus are working and whether there is a problem with swallowing.
Once the cause of GERD has been determined, an effective treatment plan can be created.
Treatment of GERD
GERD is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. There are numerous treatment options that may reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms of GERD. They include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery or complementary and alternative therapies to control symptoms.
Lifestyle changes are one of the simplest yet effective treatment methods for GERD. Some of these lifestyle changes include the following:
- Avoiding lying down for 3 hours after a meal
- Wearing clothing that is not snug
- Losing weight
- Keeping the upper body slightly elevated while sleeping to keep reflux down
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding foods known to promote reflux such as chocolate, peppermint, citrus food, spicy food, coffee and alcohol
- Stopping smoking
Medications are also helpful in reducing acid production or relieving the symptoms of GERD. These medications include antacids, foaming agents, H2 blockers. proton pump inhibitors and pro-motility drugs. A combination of medications that work to address different symptoms may help to relieve the symptoms of GERD.
Surgery may be recommended for those patients that do not respond to changes in lifestyle, medication or other forms of treatment. Nissen fundoplication is the standard treatment of GERD, but it is also known as reflux surgery. This procedure can repair complications of a hiatal hernia, and tighten the LES.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Options for alternative therapy include the use of herbal remedies, stress reduction techniques, guided imagery or acupuncture. A doctor will be able to determine which of these therapies will work well with a patient and their symptoms.
It is important to see a doctor for recommended treatment and to prevent any complications of GERD.