GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Remedies for Relief

GERD is a digestive disorder, which affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).  The symptoms of GERD can be mostly managed with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. However, some patients require surgery to ease their symptoms.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux?

In normal digestion, the LES opens to allow foods to pass through the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices to flow back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when your LES is weak and allows your stomach’s contents to flow back into your esophagus.

Does Hiatal Hernia Cause GERD?

Some doctors believe that hiatal hernia may weaken your LES and increase the risk for GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach in the abdominal cavity is pushed out through an opening in the diaphragm into your chest cavity. This hernia is common in people ages 50 and up. However, it can be congenital in children. Having a hiatal hernia may cause the stomach’s contents to easily flow back into the esophagus.

What Are the Causes of GERD?

Some of the GERD causes include:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Delayed stomach emptying
• Hiatal hernia
• Scleroderma
• Smoking
• Taking medications that contain aspirin
• Eating fatty or fried foods, large meals or late at night

What Are the Symptoms of GERD?

If you have GERD, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Heartburn
• You may feel like food is coming back from your stomach into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breathing problems such as asthma or chronic cough

Treatments for GERD

Your doctor will recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to help treat GERD.

Some dietary and lifestyle modifications to ease GERD symptoms include:

• Lose excess weight
• Eat smaller meals
• Quit smoking
• Avoid lying down after eating
• Avoid fatty and fried foods
• Avoid acidic and alcoholic beverages
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Avoid wearing tight clothes
• Eat 2 to 3 hours before bedtime

Along with these lifestyle modifications, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce heartburn, acid reflux, and other GERD symptoms.

What If GERD Symptoms Persist

You should visit your doctor if the above-mentioned remedies do not work. Your doctor will perform any of these procedures or tests to diagnose your GERD symptoms or complications:

Endoscopy

This procedure is performed to diagnose chronic GERD. Your doctor will insert a thin tube equipped with an endoscope into your esophagus. They may recommend a biopsy if the test results are abnormal or detect any other complications.

Upper GI

This procedure is performed during the early stage of testing. It is a special X-ray, which clearly shows the duodenum, esophagus, and stomach.

Esophageal Manometry

This test is performed to measure the force and coordination exerted by your esophagus muscles and rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus.

pH Test

This test is required to measure the acid levels inside your esophagus and monitor the symptoms during sleep, meals, and other activities.

Does GERD Require Surgery?

Some people may require surgery to treat GERD if they have severe reflux or their body does not respond to medical treatment. A few surgical GERD treatments include:

Fundoplication

It is a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor wraps the top of your stomach around the LES, to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux.

Stretta Procedure

This surgery is performed laparoscopically. Your doctor will tighten the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus to prevent reflux.

LINX Device

The LINX reflux device is laparoscopically placed around the lower end of the esophagus to strengthen a weak LES. The device is strong enough to keep the opening closed to refluxing acid and weak enough to allow food and liquid to pass through.

What Are the Complications of Long-Term GERD?

GERD doesn’t cause life-threatening complications. However, sometimes, it may result in serious complications, which include:

• Esophageal cancer
• Esophagitis
• Gum disease, tooth enamel erosion or other dental problems
• Breathing problems
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Esophageal stricture

Related Article: What is the LINX Reflux Management System?

Timely diagnosis and treatment will save you from severe complications.

If you suspect that you have GERD, visit us right away for the best treatment. Dr. Madhu Prasad is the best surgeon in Anchorage. He has brought the LINX technology to Far North Surgical and Alaska for the first time.