About the Signs & Symptoms of GERD

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, strikes men and women of all ages. Characterized by painful, burning sensations in the throat or chest GERD, in and of itself, is just annoying. Left untreated, however, GERD can cause some health problems. It's easily treated, making you healthier and more comfortable. GERD occurs when the muscle at the end of the esophagus doesn't close properly. Naturally occurring stomach acids push upwards into the esophagus and throat, causing heartburn and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth. The resulting pain can be annoying or debilitating. Some people can't sleep because of the taste or sensations, while others find eating painful. Rest assured, however, that according to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 80 to 90 percent of patients with GERD get better with treatment. Here's what you need to know about the features, sympoms, treatment and more to help you deal with GERD.

Features

The human digestive system begins in the mouth. There, food is taken and chewed. It passed through a flexible tube called the esophagus that connects the mouth to the stomach. Located in the throat, the esophagus pushes food down from the mouth into the stomach through rhythmic pulses called peristalsis. The system usually works beautifully, but sometimes glitches occur. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD occurs when muscle that connects the esophagus to the stomach doesn't close properly. In healthy people, the angle at which the esophagus enters the stomach helps close it. Strange as it may sound, the proper amount of acids in the stomach itself also triggers the closure of the valve and prevention of acids leaking back into the esophagus. If there aren't enough acids, the muscles may not contract, contributing to or causing GERD.

Theories/Speculation

GERD may be caused by any of of a number of factors. Doctors aren't sure why the following conditions predispose individuals to GERD, but they have noticed that many people with these conditions also suffer from GERD. Conditions which may lead to or contribute to GERD include obesity, gallstones, sleep apnea, and hiatus hernia. Often correcting a hiatal hernia removes the physical problem that causes GERD. While many people believe that eating certain foods triggers GERD, it seems to depend upon the individual and his or her tolerance to foods. Food frequently attributed to causing GERD attacks include spicy foods, such as Indian or Mexican cuisine, certain spices such as chile peppers, ginger and mustard, and vegetables like onions, peppers and garlic. Carbonated beverages such as pop and beer may trigger GERD attacks in some patients, along with acidic beverages like wine, tea and coffee.

Effects

GERD not only makes you feel uncomfortable, it can cause permanent and damaging changes to the esophagus. Narrowing of the esophagus near the juncture with the stomach may occur. Scarring or inflammation of the esophagus or throat also occurs in some patients. Typical GERD effects include pressure and pain in the chest and a burning, acid-like taste in the mouth. While the sensations and tastes go away with proper treatment, inflammation and scarring may be more difficult to heal. One condition, called Barrett's Esophagus, may be caused by GERD. The constant presence of acid in the esophagus creates changes in the lining of the esophagus and can, over time, lead to cancer. It's important to get treatment for Barrett's Esophagus to prevent potential complications.

Identification

How is GERD diagnosed? Your physician will first take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. Next, he or she may order certain tests. These can include a barium X-ray. A barium X-ray is a simple test performed at a radiology laboratory. You are given a drink to take and then an X-ray is taken of the chest, focusing on the esophagus and stomach. Barium added to the drink helps the area show clearly on the X-ray. Your doctor may also order an esophagoscopy, or an examination of the esophagus using an endoscopic unit. This is a camera, inserted through the mouth and throat, that allows the doctor to see into the esophagus. Sometimes a small amount of tissue is taken for a biopsy. The procedure is painless and may be done in the doctor's office, clinic or a hospital setting. Other tests your doctor may order include an EKG, to rule out heart disease that can mimic GERD, or tests to monitor the pH (acid or alklaine) level in the esophagus.

Expert Insight

Many treatments are available for GERD, and your doctor may choose one or more of the following to ease symptoms and heal any damage present in the esophagus. First, if your doctor determines that physical conditions such as gallstones or hiatal hernia are causing GERD, he or she may request additional tests or recommend surgical treatment to remove gallstones or repair the hernia. The easiest and most frequently prescribed treatment, however, involves blocking or altering the acid production in the stomach. Most doctors recommend trying medications to alter the acid contents of the stomach for two months before trying other treatments. Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Other treatment options include lifestyle and diet modification. If you and your doctor feel that diet contributes to episodes of GERD, avoiding or limiting trigger foods can prevent GERD attacks.