Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Here's a breakdown of the causes, symptoms, and treatment:

Causes:

  1. Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Dysfunction: Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn't close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus.

  2. Hiatal Hernia: This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates your stomach from your chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps keep acid in our stomach, but if you have a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into your esophagus and cause symptoms of GERD.

  3. Other Factors: Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain medications, and even eating large meals or eating late at night can exacerbate GERD.

Symptoms:

  1. Heartburn: A burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night.

  2. Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth.

  3. Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.

  4. Chronic Cough or Wheezing: Developing respiratory issues.

  5. Chest Pain: Especially at night while lying down.

  6. Hoarseness or Sore Throat: Especially in the morning.

  7. Feeling like there's a lump in your throat.

Treatment:

  1. Lifestyle Changes: This includes losing weight if you're overweight, eating smaller meals, not eating late at night, and avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux (such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine).

  2. Medications: Over-the-counter medications include antacids, H-2-receptor blockers (which reduce acid production), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, also reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes). Prescription medications might be given in severe cases.

  3. Surgical and Other Procedures: If medications don't help or you wish to avoid long-term medication use, your doctor might recommend more-invasive procedures. This includes surgery to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter or endoscopic techniques to tighten the sphincter or create a barrier preventing the backup of stomach acid.

It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of GERD. They can provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most people can find relief from their symptoms and live a healthy life.