GERD

GERD

GERD (or gastroesophageal reflux disease) isn’t “just” acid indigestion – it’s a chronic condition that can eventually increase the risk for esophageal cancer. Texas Center for Digestive Health is a top provider of GERD treatments for patients in Katy,TX, providing individualized care to help patients relieve symptoms and prevent more serious complications.

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, other symptoms include upper abdominal pain and chest pain.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is caused by a prolonged presence of acid-containing liquid from the stomach within the esophagus. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest behind the breast bone, often experienced after meals. Other symptoms include upper abdominal pain, chest pain which sometimes can mimic a heart attack, excessive burping, and acid taste in the mouth. Stomach acid may spill from upper esophagus into the upper respiratory tract and cause a hoarse voice, chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, and sore throat. Serious consequences of prolonged GERD include Barrett’s esophagus, severe inflammation of esophagus (esophagitis), esophageal ulcers, esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus and subsequent difficulties with swallowing), and even esophageal cancer. For detailed description of GERD and associated complications as well as methods used to diagnose and treat GERD please click on the links to patient-oriented sites of the American Gastroenterology Association and the American College of Gastroenterology.

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What is GERD?

GERD is an acronym for a chronic disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition causes symptoms similar to acid reflux or heartburn, but for much longer period of time and on a recurrent basis. Without treatment, GERD can lead to sores and erosion in the esophagus, and it can even increase the risks of developing esophageal cancer

What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs in people with untreated or improperly managed GERD. In Barrett’s esophagus, the continual exposure to refluxing stomach acid causes the lining of the esophagus to change, eventually resembling the smooth tissue that lines the intestine. Barrett’s esophagus significantly increases the risk for esophageal cancer.

What causes GERD?

GERD typically is caused by a weakening in the tight ring of muscle (called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Normally, this sphincter prevents food and acids from moving backward from the stomach into the esophagus. But if the sphincter becomes weakened or damaged, food and corrosive stomach acid can move backward or reflux into the esophagus, causing irritation and “heartburn.” Obesity, smoking and even pregnancy can all cause the LES to become damaged.

How is GERD treated?

Many patients with GERD respond to changes in diet and other lifestyle changes, including losing excess weight, eating smaller meals, elevating the head of the bed and quitting smoking, and often these measures are combined with prescription medicines. GERD also requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the condition does not become worse. In patients with more severe symptoms, surgery may be recommended to repair a damaged LES or perform other repairs to prevent or reduce symptoms and their side effects, as well as reduce the risk of developing esophageal erosions and cancer.

Is it OK to manage GERD symptoms with over-the-counter products like antacids?

Antacids and other over-the-counter products like proton pump inhibitors may help relieve some of the symptoms of GERD, but they don’t address the underlying cause – instead, they can mask the disease and delay proper treatment. Plus, taking these products for prolonged periods can cause serious side effects, including problems with nutrient absorption that can lead to other serious problems.