GERD According to the National Institute of Health, gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, occurs when the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus. While GER is a common occurrence for the average person, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is diagnosed when GER regularly occurs more than twice a week. Although approximately 20% of people in the United States are affected by GERD, there are a large variety of treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery. Star City Medical shares an overview of gastroesophageal reflux to help you make the best decisions about your health. 

The NIH states that GERD has a wide variety of symptoms and causes. The most common symptoms can include:

  • heartburn
  • bad breath
  • nausea
  • pain in the chest or upper abdomen
  • difficulty or painful swallowing 
  • breathing problems
  • emesis
  • tooth erosion

These symptoms are usually caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, most commonly due to smoking, obesity, and medication side effects. Although less common, GERD can also be the result of a hiatal hernia.

There are five common tests used by doctors to diagnose GERD: upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy, upper GI series, Bravo wireless esophageal pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, and esophageal pH and impedance monitoring, which is the most accurate method of diagnosis. More information on each of these medical procedures can be found on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, website.

The NIDDK lists a variety of different treatments for GERD. The most common ones apply to all people: 

  • don’t overeat 
  • avoid eating less than three hours before sleeping
  • sleep on a slight angle
  • use over the counter medications
  • avoid foods and drinks that trigger GER, most notably alcoholic beverages and greasy or spicy foods 

Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes depending on the patient. Overweight or obese patients can lose weight to reduce GERD symptoms. Patients who smoke or are around smoke often can reduce symptoms by quitting smoking or reducing secondhand smoke exposure. 

Should lifestyle changes prove ineffective as a sole means of treatment, doctors can recommend one or more medications, such as antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, and/or antibiotics. Should none of these methods provide relief, doctors can recommend surgery as a final treatment option. The most common and successful surgical method is fundoplication, which will require, on average, one to three days of hospitalization with full recovery in two to three weeks.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be exhibiting symptoms of GERD, Star City Medical can help! Our providers will work with you to determine the cause of your reflux and create a treatment plan that works for you! Contact us to schedule your appointment today!