Managing digestive diseases
What's the word on GERD?
Most people suffer from heartburn now and then. This uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone or in the throat might result from overindulging during a celebration dinner, enjoying extra spicy salsa or gobbling a late-night snack. Occasional bouts of heartburn aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. But for some sufferers, heartburn is a symptom of a serious underlying condition: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What is GERD?
Typically, chewed-up food slides down the esophagus and through a gate-like muscle into the stomach, where juices begin to digest the food. Sometimes, however, the muscle is weak or opens at the wrong time, allowing stomach acid to reflux, or flow back, into the esophagus. Over time, GERD can cause serious complications. The esophagus can become inflamed, leading to bleeding or ulcers. Damaged or scarred esophageal tissue may make swallowing difficult. Some conditions, such as asthma, chronic cough and pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated or even caused by GERD. And, cells in the esophageal lining may, in time, become precancerous.
According to Artin Gevorkian, M.D., a physician with High Desert Primary Care, GERD affects both men and women and occurs in every age group but is more common in people older than 40.
Warning signs
Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD, Dr. Gevorkian says. Heartburn is not the only symptom of GERD, however. GERD sufferers may experience:
- Excessive clearing of the throat.
- Wheezing and coughing.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Burping or belching.
- Burning in the mouth or pain in the chest.
- Vomiting, coughing and other respiratory problems (in infants and children).
“There are a number of lifestyle modifications that serve as the cornerstone of GERD therapy,” Dr. Gevorkian says.
- Elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches.
- Wait three hours after a meal before lying down.
- Lose weight, for those who are overweight.
- Stop smoking.
- Eat more frequent but smaller meals.
- Avoid fatty/fried food, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee and tea.
Help is available
Various factors contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease, but taking steps now can help relieve the symptoms. Consult your healthcare professional for more information.
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