Understanding Acid Reflux: A Guide to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A man clutches his chest, highlighting discomfort from acid reflux symptoms.

Eating is one of the most enjoyable things we do. However, some people have difficulty with certain foods. 

Imagine enjoying your favorite meal with friends and family, only for you to feel acid coming up into your throat . But if you have symptoms two or more times a week or if they cause damage to the lining of your esophagus, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

Anyone can have GERD, including infants and children. 

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach contents flow back from the stomach into the esophagus (food pipe). Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and medicines. And though it's uncommon, some may need surgery to help with symptoms.

Symptoms of GERD 

Typical symptoms of GERD are: 

• Heartburn or burning pain in the chest

 •Bringing food back up (regurgitation) 

Less common symptoms are: 

• Nausea after eating 

• Cough or wheezing 

• Difficulty swallowing (make sure to discuss with your provider) • 

Hiccups 

• Hoarseness or change in voice 

• Sore throat 

Symptoms may worsen when you bend over or lie down, or after eating. They may also worsen at night. 

What Causes GERD? 

When you eat, food passes from the throat to the stomach through the esophagus. A ring of muscle fibers in the lower esophagus prevents swallowed food from flowing back up. These fibers are the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). 

When this ring of muscle does not close completely, stomach content can leak back into the esophagus. This is called reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. Harsh stomach acids can also damage the (Mucosa) lining of the oesophagus. 

What increases your chances of GERD? 

There is an increased chance of developing GERD in the following situations: 

• Use of alcohol (possibly) 

• Obesity 

• Pregnancy 

• Scleroderma 

• Smoking or Tobacco use 

• Lying down within 3 hours after eating 

• Hiatal hernia ( a condition in which part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities ) 

Treatment of GERD 

Tips on how to treat your symptoms: 

• Raise the head of the bed if your symptoms get worse at night. 

• Avoid medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.

 • Take all your medicines with plenty of water. When your provider prescribes a new medication, ask whether it will make your heartburn worse. 

•Weight loss if you're obese.

You can use over-the-counter and prescription medicines like these: 

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease the amount of acid produced in your stomach. 

• H2 blockers also lower the amount of acid released in the stomach. 

• Potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs) are the newest medication that decreases stomach acid. 

What should I avoid eating if I have the symptoms?

 Here are some of the foods that can act as a trigger: 

• acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes • 

alcoholic drinks 

• chocolate 

• coffee and other sources of caffeine 

• high-fat foods 

• mint 

• spicy foods 

Certain foods may react differently. Kindly check in with your body to see which foods you are comfortable with.

 Contact your provider if symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes, medication, or a change of diet. Also, contact your provider if you have: 

  • Bleeding 

• Choking (shortness of breath)

  • Feeling vomiting 

• Hoarseness 

•Loss of appetite 

• Dysphagia(trouble swallowing )or Odynophagia (pain with swallowing)

  • Weight loss 

•A feeling like food or pills sticking behind the breastbone 

References: 

-MedlinePlus 

-Cleverland clinic 

-National Institute of Health(gov)

 -Johns Hopkins Medicine 

Written by Chelsy Oloo